Agenda Item
c. Renewal of COGNIA (formerly AdvancED) Membership Approval (Not to exceed $147,000)
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Office of the Superintendent
Request: In support of Board Policy MK and Mk-R (Educational Accreditation Agency Relations), it is requested that the Board of Education approve the payment of accreditation membership to COGNIA (formerly AdvancED) for all DeKalb schools for the 2024-2025 school year, in an amount not to exceed $147,000.
Why: The DeKalb County School District received final notification of the 2022 Cognia Engagement Review results on June 17, 2022, awarding the district full accreditation through June 30, 2027, from the Cognia Global Commission. Each year to remain in good accreditation standing with COGNIA, the district must pay all associated membership costs for district and individual school accreditation. District accreditation membership is paid to COGNIA to cover accreditation services for the district and for all DeKalb County Schools. Services and added benefits from COGNIA include, but are not limited to: diagnostic reviews of school improvement and performance; professional learning; partnerships; research; STEM certifications; school improvement feedback tools; policy support; and school accountability.
As of 2024, 32 DeKalb County Schools have earned the global distinction of becoming a COGNIA Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Certified School. This STEM recognition is done through an evaluation process and examination of school innovation practices, partnerships and parental support as guided by an established set of STEM standards.
Additionally, Coralwood Center and The Early Learning Center have earned COGNIA Early Learning Accreditation. These schools have demonstrated adherence to the five Cognia Standards, which describe the quality practices and conditions that research and best practice indicate are necessary for early learning schools to achieve quality learning, growth, and development for young children.
To bring coherence to the district’s internal systems towards district improvement, COGNIA’s standards represent one alignment criterion that ensures that the district’s work is aligned to the expected practices. As an example, all Board Agenda items must align to one or more COGNIA standards to ensure coherence to the best systematic practices.
Additionally, over 150 GA districts (Attached) - as indicated by COGNIA - are accredited through COGNIA, including several neighboring metro districts, such as Decatur City, Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Clayton, and Henry County Schools.
Details: This proposed budget item requests funds not to exceed $147,000 to cover the costs of annual accreditation membership for all DeKalb County Schools.
Financial impact: The financial impact is an amount not to exceed $147,000 for FY25. The purchase amount will be paid for through charge code:
100.2300.581000.00011.7660.9990.8010.010.0000 - general budgeted - through the Department of Strategic Management, Office of the Superintendent
Payment of the invoice covers COGNIA 2024-2025 accreditation membership. COGNIA payment is required no later than July 31, 2024, to avoid loss of district accreditation as well as accreditation technology licenses.
Contact: Mr. Elijah Palmer, Chief of Staff, Office of the Superintendent, 678-676-0196
Dr. Sherry Everett, Director of Strategic Management, Office of the Superintendent, 678-676-0435
Effective: July 31, 2024
Status: Attorney approval not required
Georgia Districts – Accredited by COGNIA
Georgia Districts – Accredited by COGNIA
Georgia Districts – Accredited by COGNIA
Georgia Districts – Accredited by COGNIA
Georgia Districts – Accredited by COGNIA
Georgia Districts – Accredited by COGNIA