What do you do if your court reporting school loses its accreditation?

May 22, 2017 11:29 pm Published by

If you attend a court reporting school that is accredited by ACICS, you need to read this.

According to the NCRA article regarding the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and

Schools (ACICS), “Accreditation is a status granted to an institution that meets or exceeds the stated criteria of educational quality. The purpose of accreditation is to assess and enhance the educational quality of an institution, to assure consistency in institutional operations, to promote institutional improvement, and to provide for public accountability.”

The Department of Education has removed the ACICS as an accrediting organization leaving the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) concerned for their schools and students. We should note that state education department rules regarding accreditation and a recent ruling involving ACICS may also be affected.

What’s next when a court reporting school loses its accreditation?

What’s next isn’t a clear path. What is most disconcerting is that schools that have lost their ACICS accreditation may choose to remain open without the certification and they have every right to do so.

It’s our hope that court reporting schools sign the new Provisional Participation Agreement (PPA) which allows them 18 months to become accredited through another accrediting organization.

While the PPA doesn’t resolve the issue of a rather long period of what happens to students who may graduate during the 18 month period, it is a step in the right direction for those schools that choose to update their accreditation.

If your court reporting school loses its accreditation, the NCRA Addresses Recent ACICS Failed Appeal and encourages students to ask their school administrator questions including:

  • Has the school signed the PPA and sought alternative accreditation?
  • Does the state Board of Education approve continuation of classes over the next 18 months?
  • How will students be notified of updates and changes?
  • Ask you prospective new school how many of your credits will be transferred.
  • Do you need to be admitted to a new court reporting school to have your current transcript reviewed?
  • Is there an appeals process if credits don’t transfer?
  • Does the school offer help to those transitioning from brick and mortar to online education through a different school?

If your school is unwilling or unable to help you, please contact the NCRA and the California Court Reporters Association (CCRA) and ask for a mentor. Also, the NCRA provides a list of Approved Court Reporting Programs to help you transition. Most importantly, weigh your options based on what you learn from your school and mentor, the NCRA, and CCRA. The court reporting community is here to help you through this challenging time.

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This post was written by anne

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