Accreditation provides a variety of benefits by verifying that an institution or program has met established standards:
Students are able to identify programs
that meet standards established by and for their field of interest and
to select the program best suited to their needs and circumstances.
Through completion of a MACTE-accredited program, students are assured
of the broadest possible opportunity for acceptance of their Montessori
credentials throughout the nation and world.
Programs are protected from pressures (within and without) to make changes for
reasons that may not be educationally sound. Self-improvement is
stimulated through involvement of academic administrators, faculty, and
practitioners in program evaluation and planning, in development of
learning outcomes measures and graduate competencies, and in orientation
and training sessions offered by the agency. Accreditation ensures that
standards represent a consensus of values, and that standards and
procedures are fairly and consistently applied. Programs and
institutions are also assured of equitable representation in national
accreditation activities, through participation by faculty and staff as
Commissioners and as on-site evaluation team members.
is informed of the quality
of institutions through a nongovernmental system, which places the cost
of program evaluation on the profession, rather than the taxpayer.
Accreditation is also one of several means used in identifying programs
for the potential investment of public and private funds, and for
determining eligibility for federal student assistance.
The Montessori field gains enhanced
credibility through the accountability provided by accreditation.
Certifying bodies and state agencies are assisted in the process of
issuing professional credentials, registration, or licensure. Because
MACTE requires its programs to evaluate the competencies of students and
graduates, both before and after they have entered their professional
roles, employers have a reasonable means of assessing the quality of the
preparation completed by job applicants and employees.
All communities of interest benefit from the opportunity accreditation provides for inquiry, problem solving, and protest of alleged improper practices.
