Career center accredited for post-secondary classes

The Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center has received accreditation for its post-secondary programs, center director Rich Payne said Tuesday.

The accreditation is for five years, he said.

The center pursued the accreditation from the North Central Association as a result of a change in federal regulations, Payne said. As a result, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education could no longer accredit the vocational school's post-secondary courses.

Accreditation allows students to qualify for financial aid to take post-secondary classes, Payne said.

The center director said the North Central accreditation demonstrates that the school meets high standards in educating students. "That is a big deal," he said.

To be accredited, schools must be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous school improvement plan focused on increasing student performance, Payne said.

The accreditation process prompts school staff to analyze student performance data, identify areas of weakness, and develop clear goals and plans for improvement, he said.

"Accreditation demonstrates to our students and the community that we are focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and rich learning environment and maintaining an efficient and effective operation staffed by highly qualified educators," Payne said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123