James Madison High School Awarded Outstanding IEQ Score by Accreditation Agency AdvancED

NORCROSS, Ga. – James Madison High School recently earned an outstanding Index of Education Quality™ (IEQ™) score of 347.94 (out of 400) from its accrediting agency AdvancED.

In March, as part of its ongoing accreditation process, an AdvancED Engagement Review Team of 11 education professionals gathered data, interviewed stakeholders, and assessed James Madison High School for its effectiveness and commitment to continuous improvement. By gathering this information first hand, AdvancED evaluated the online high school against research-based standards in the areas of Teaching and Learning Impact, Leadership Capacity, and Resource Utilization. Each area was given the one of the following four ratings:

• Exceeds Expectations - Demonstrates noteworthy practices producing clear results
• Meets Expectations - Pinpoints quality practices that meet Standards
• Emerging - Areas to enhance and extend current improvement efforts
• Needs Improvement - Key areas that need more focused improvement efforts

According to the Review Team, James Madison High School “Exceeds Expectations” for 15 of their 34 standards, including assessments which determined:

• The governing authority adheres to a code of ethics and functions within defined roles and responsibilities. (Leadership Capacity)
• The educators implement a curriculum that is based on high expectations and prepares learners for their next levels. (Learning Capacity)
• The institution integrates digital resources into teaching, learning, and operations to improve professional practice, student performance, and organization effectiveness. (Resource Capacity)

There were no standards for which the Review Team determined JMHS “Needs Improvement.”

“We exceeded the IEQ benchmark by almost 48 points,” said Principal Megan Bowen. “I hope our entire team takes great pride in that. The review team highlighted some of our best qualities by recognizing how committed our leadership team is when it comes to our students. It’s always heartening to have strengths reinforced. They also called out some areas where they see us improving but want us to work harder and that’s helping us prioritize.”

“Each JMHS faculty and staff member shows real devotion to our students,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Christine Jax. “Everyone works together so well because of the shared common goal of delivering a truly valuable learning experience. The IEQ score reflects that commitment.”

In 2013, AdvancED introduced the innovative framework of IEQ reviews to pinpoint areas of strength as well as those in need of support or focus. By adding the IEQ to its accreditation process, AdvancED can place schools on a continuum of performance and provide an understanding of a school’s current reality as well as a vision for its potential. For more information about IEQ, visit www.advanc-ed.org/services/overview-index-education-quality.

About James Madison High School

James Madison High School is an online institution that provides flexible and affordable high school education to students around the world. Areas of education include single courses, NCAA-eligible courses, a College Prep Diploma program, and a General Diploma program. Additionally, through a partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Commission, all JMHS students are eligible for Dual Enrollment, a fully-funded program of college-level courses through which they can earn high school and college credits simultaneously. For more information, visit www.jmhs.com.

JMHS is regionally-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). JMHS is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

ABOUT AdvancED

Dedicated to advancing excellence in education through accreditation, research, and professional services, AdvancED is the world's largest education community, serving and engaging 30,000 public and private schools and school systems in more than 70 countries. AdvancED is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). SACS CASI is a non-governmental, voluntary agency that accredits nearly 13,000 public and non-public institutions throughout the world. For more information, visit www.advanc-ed.org.

Media Contact:
Amy Dixon
James Madison High School
770.729.8400
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.