The Okaloosa County School District is one of 38 school systems in the world to be named a Cognia System of Distinction for 2022, according to the organization’s recently-issued press release.
During the 2021-2022 school year, Cognia conducted approximately 1,500 school engagement reviews for accreditation. This year, 96 schools and 38 systems in 34 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and nine countries are recognized. The number of institutions reviewed and those that earn this designation vary from year to year. Winners carry the designation for one year.
The recognition, which highlights excellence in education, is based on the results of the rigorous accreditation process Cognia administered in the district in February. “Okaloosa County School District employees dedicate themselves to the education and safety of the students we serve,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are honored to receive this designation and owe it all to the hard work our teachers, administrators, and staff put in each day to ensure our students receive the best education possible.”
The accreditation process is intense and takes place over several days. Cognia’s accreditation rubric consists of three categories – Leadership Capacity, Learning Capacity and Resource Capacity. The district scored “Impacting,” which is the highest possible rating, in 29 out of 31 indicators. Okaloosa County was joined by four other Florida school districts among the 38 systems recognized worldwide: Collier, Pasco, Volusia, and neighboring Walton County School Districts.
During the accreditation process, Cognia interviews various stakeholders, including parents, students, district staff, school board members and administrators, to gain insight into a school district. Cognia commended Okaloosa schools on their extensive use of data aligned with the district’s purpose, mission and vision.
Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment and professional services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 36,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. For more information visit www.cognia.org.
“Across the district, we are focused on cultivating and improving leadership effectiveness while strengthening a student-focused classroom by promoting instructional practices aligned to the new BEST Standards,” added Chambers. “We are proud of everyone in the OCSD family!”
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