We’re excited to share the fantastic news – our Maȟpíya Lúta School District has earned state accreditation from the South Dakota Department of Education! This accomplishment reflects many hours of hard work of our teachers, school leadership, and staff!
State accreditation is more than just a badge; it holds us to a higher standard and confirms Maȟpíya Lúta schools meet stringent state education standards. Maȟpíya Lúta is already accredited through Cognia (formerly Northwestern).
So, what does this mean for our students and families? Accreditation ensures that our curriculum aligns with the state’s educational standards, providing a strong foundation for learning. It affirms that our teachers are qualified and skilled, delivering engaging and effective instruction. Accreditation also speaks to the safety and security of our school environment, demonstrating our dedication to providing a nurturing space for learning and growth. Colleges view our graduates through a more rigorous lens and give a bit more weight to our applicants coming from an accredited institution!
About the earned accreditation, Moira Coomes, Superintendent shared, “This achievement is a collective effort and lots of hours went into it. For me, accreditation is really important because it holds us to a higher standard and pushes us to build the best education and environment for our students.” While the accreditation was daunting Coomes said, “It was really hard work that will only help us grow!
Earning state accreditation is quite a process that involves self-assessment, evaluation of records, evaluations of school plans, and continuous improvement. It’s a reflection of our Maȟpíya Lúta’s willingness to adapt and evolve in response to changing educational needs. Our commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation is unwavering, and this recognition is a stepping stone towards further accreditation in the future. Maȟpíya Lúta’s next goal is to work to earn accreditation from the Commission for Oceti Sakowin Accreditation (COSA). COSA incorporates the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understanding and Standards and offers school accreditation and other education-related services that promote quality culturally based learning, continuous improvement and student success with a focus on educational entities serving students on tribal lands.
State accreditation lasts for five years! Congratulations to all those who worked to earn this remarkable achievement of earning state accreditation!