Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) received high marks from COGNIA, a global network of educators, in its final report of the 2021 Accreditation Engagement Review. COGNIA evaluated the District’s adherence to rigorous performance standards focusing on three main areas: Leadership Capacity, Learning Capacity and Resource Capacity. These standards aim to ensure students are provided with high-quality learning opportunities and that mechanisms are in place to maintain continuous improvement.

The COGNIA team visited the District from November 29 – December 3, 2021, and conducted more than 230 interview sessions with School Board members, the Interim Superintendent, District administrators, teachers, staff, labor representatives, parents, students and community stakeholders. The team also virtually visited 48 schools to observe District and school practices and – over several months –analyzed comprehensive performance data and supporting documentation. At the conclusion of the visit, the COGNIA team announced BCPS was awarded reaccreditation for five more years.

COGNIA’S final report provides details on the District’s effectiveness on each of the performance standards. It shows BCPS: 

• Earned an overall Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 334.68, which is significantly higher than the average scoring range of all institutions accredited (278.34 – 283.33).
• Received the two highest rating levels (Improving and Impacting) for all evaluated areas.

Additionally, as part of the Accreditation Engagement Review, the District received valuable feedback from parents and stakeholders, which will impact the District’s continuous improvement efforts and strategic plan.  

“BCPS system has demonstrated and continues to practice a solid growth mindset that focuses on improving teaching and learning and is a place where trust defines relationships,” said Dr. Darrell Barringer, lead evaluator for COGNIA. 

“This report validates the efforts of all BCPS employees – our teachers, administrators and staff – for providing our students unique, supportive and innovative educational opportunities,” said BCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “The results provide us with guidance on our continuous improvement journey and reinforce our dedication to our students first approach.”

To view COGNIA’S Accreditation Engagement Review Report, visit browardschools.com/cogniareport.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS = “Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”:  Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 92 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 177 different countries and 151 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.