Despite an increasingly globalized world, international schools face unique challenges in maintaining high educational standards while catering to diverse student populations.
Many educators and administrators struggle to find effective ways to ensure quality, consistency, and continuous improvement across borders.
This is where accreditation plays a crucial role.
Recent data from ISC Research indicates that the international school market is experiencing significant growth, with over 13,000 English-medium international schools worldwide as of 2023, serving nearly 6 million students.
This rapid expansion underscores the need for robust accreditation processes to maintain and elevate educational standards globally.
In this episode of Teach Away’s educator podcast School of Talk with guest Andrew Sherman, Vice President for Latin American Strategy and Development at Cognia, we explore the vital role of accreditation in international education and uncover strategies for school improvement that can benefit educators worldwide.
The Global Reach of Accreditation
Cognia, an accrediting agency with a history dating back to 1885, has expanded its reach to 94 countries, working with over 2,000 schools internationally.
Andrew Sherman explains, “We’re involved in 94 different countries internationally, over 2,000 schools across the globe… The international, I think, is something we’ve watched grow over the last 15, 20 years in significant ways.”
This global presence allows Cognia to provide a comprehensive framework for school improvement, encompassing operational assurances and academic standards that help schools align their practices with their mission and vision.
A Holistic Approach to School Improvement
One of the key strengths of Cognia’s accreditation process is its holistic approach to school evaluation and improvement.
Sherman emphasizes, “We’re really giving them a framework, or kind of a lens. To look at their school their services to say, ‘Hey, is this where we want it to be?'”
This approach covers various aspects of school operations, from teacher recruitment and development to child protection protocols, as well as academic standards focusing on culture, leadership, engagement, and learning growth.
Leveraging Expert Teams for School Evaluation
Cognia’s accreditation process relies on expert teams composed of experienced educators from various backgrounds.
Sherman notes, “We really rely on a high level of collaboration from schools in our network… I always say those teams are really professional learning because you go in and see how another school operates.”
This collaborative approach not only provides schools with valuable insights but also creates opportunities for professional development among educators participating in the review process.
Tools and Resources for Continuous Improvement
Cognia offers a range of tools and resources to support schools in their improvement journey.
Sherman highlights two key platforms:
“My Home” – Focused on professional learning and development
“My Journey” – Centered on data collection and analysis tools
These platforms provide schools with resources for professional development, classroom observation tools, and stakeholder surveys, enabling data-driven decision-making for school improvement.
Fostering Collaboration and Networking
Recognizing the importance of peer learning, Cognia facilitates collaboration among its member schools.
Sherman shares, “We encourage that networking. We just are starting and launching something called the Latin American Leadership Cohort, which is a solution-driven circle, leadership circle, where leaders are talking to one another.”
These initiatives, including conferences, summits, and leadership cohorts, provide valuable opportunities for schools to share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences.
Adapting to Curriculum Trends in International Education
As the international school market evolves, so do curriculum trends.
Sherman observes, “We’re seeing an interest in some type of international curriculum, whether that’s IPC, International Primary Curriculum or, IB or stateside standards that are produced common core.”
This trend reflects the growing demand for internationalized curricula that can complement national standards, allowing schools to create hybrid programs that meet both local and global educational needs.
Key Takeaways
Accreditation plays a vital role in elevating international education standards, providing schools with a framework for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
Through a holistic approach, expert evaluations, and a range of tools and resources, organizations like Cognia are helping schools worldwide enhance their educational offerings.
By fostering collaboration and adapting to emerging curriculum trends, accreditation processes are shaping the future of international education, ensuring that students receive high-quality, globally relevant learning experiences.