My first thought when encountering the word "accreditation", I must admit, is that it's hard to spell. My second thought, which is more an impression, is another A-word: admiration.
WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?
Accreditation is a voluntary method of quality assurance developed more than 100 years ago by American universities and secondary schools, and designed primarily to distinguish schools adhering to a set of educational standards. The accreditation process is also known in terms of its ability to effectively drive student performance and continuous improvement in education. But such definitions, though accurate, are incomplete.
NRPA has its own definition, with clear roots from the world of academia, and also offers two flavors:
Accreditation
Accreditation is a distinguished mark of excellence that affords external recognition of an organization's commitment to quality and improvement. Accreditation has two fundamental purposes; to assure quality and to assure improvement. The National Recreation and Park Association administratively sponsors two distinct accreditation programs.
ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION
The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT)accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies, within the United States and its territories, Canada, and Mexico. COAPRT is the only accreditation of recreation, park resources and leisure services curricula recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT)accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies, within the United States and its territories, Canada, and Mexico. COAPRT is the only accreditation of recreation, park resources and leisure services curricula recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
AGENCY ACCREDITATION
The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) provides quality assurance and quality improvement of accredited park and recreation agencies throughout the United States. CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies, and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community.
The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) provides quality assurance and quality improvement of accredited park and recreation agencies throughout the United States. CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies, and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community.
Virginia is the proud home of 5 accredited university baccalaureate programs and 6 accredited park and recreation agencies (bolded denotes VRPS membership):
- Old Dominion University
- George Mason University
- Radford University
- Longwood University
- Virginia Wesleyan College
- Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation
- Alexandria Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities
- Roanoke Parks and Recreation
- Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation
- Fairfax County Park Authority
- Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation
The accreditation process is rigorous, time-consuming, and a financial investment. Congratulations to these organizations for investing in themselves.
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