As of December 2010, language schools operating in the U.S. are required by law to be accredited in order to admit international students.
Here is what accreditation means for you:
1. Proven Placement Tests
Nearly all language schools and ESL programs use some sort of test to determine your English proficiency before choosing your starting level. During the accreditation process, schools have to show evidence that their placement tests are valid and will correctly assess the student's English proficiency. This means you know that you are starting at a level that isn't going to be too easy or too overwhelming. you are better set up for success.
2. Research-Based Teaching Methods
Another standard that accredited schools are required to meet is regarding teaching methods. Schools are responsible for researching all of the main teaching methods and language-learning strategies and must show that the methods the choose to use are aligned with their mission. For students, this means they can trust that their teachers are trained in solid methods to help you learn English as quickly and easily as possible.
3. Mission-Driven Curriculum
The school's mission statement is used as the driving force when planning all curriculum. Reading curriculum matches the goal of the program, which usually has either an academic or career focus. The type of the writing and grammar that you study must align with the focus of the program. Speaking and listening activities should progress in difficulty with each level. Schools must show that each of these subject areas is tested appropriately.
4. Clearly Identified Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes
Schools must provide the accrediting agency with a clear outline of the program's goals and objectives. Goals show the focus of the program and help students choose the right school. Objectives show the agency how the school is going to help students achieve those goals. Students learning outcomes are a vital part of a program's value. Accredited schools have to show a defined plan for what students will be able to do once they finish the program. Ask, your school for a copy of their Student Learning Outcomes!
5. Reliability
ACCET and the CEA, the two main English language program accrediting agencies and authorities on language learning, have been around since 1998 and 2003 respectively and have accredited a combined total of over 700 institutions and programs. By choosing an accredited school, you can feel secure knowing you will be attending an established school with a strong mission that has proven the quality and value of their program.
*** Optimus Language School is accredited by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA).
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Published on June 29, 2016
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