Independent Study High School awarded NCA accreditation

Lincoln, Neb., Dec. 5, 2005 -- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Independent Study High School has been granted continuing accreditation for the 2005-2006 school year from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, school director Tim Ernst said.

To earn accreditation, schools must meet the commission's high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous school improvement plan focused on increasing student performance. The accreditation process is voluntary and requires annual review. ISHS has maintained its accreditation status since 1978.

"NCA accreditation demonstrates to our students, parents, and community that we are focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning environment, and maintaining an efficient and effective operation staffed by highly qualified educators," Ernst said. "This accreditation is recognized across state lines, which not only eases the transfer process as students move from accredited school to accredited school but also assures parents that the school is meeting regionally and nationally accepted standards for quality and successful professional practice."

The school offers self-paced high school courses in more than 15 subjects. Students may supplement their curriculum with ISHS courses or earn a high school diploma from ISHS. Also accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education, the school has more than 3,000 students in more than 100 countries. ISHS is a program of UNL's Office of Extended Education and Outreach, which offers high school, undergraduate, graduate and non-credit programs and services.

"The real value of NCA accreditation is the school improvement process, which focuses the school staff on analyzing student performance data, identifying areas of weakness, and developing clear goals and plans for improvement," said Lisa Bourlier, who leads the school's improvement team. "We regularly assess and measure our progress in all goal areas, and NCA holds us accountable for demonstrating growth. The process keeps everyone in the building focused on raising student achievement."

For more information about ISHS visit http://NebraskaHS.unl.edu or call (866) 700-4747.

CONTACT: Tricia Akerlund, Senior Marketing Specialist, Extended Education and Outreach (402) 472-4425