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i <br /> ACCREDITATION WHAT IS IT? <br /> Accreditation is a form of credentialing.* It is the recognition given by an authorized entity <br /> (commission or council) that an Agency has met standards designated as important to quality <br /> operations. Accreditation is concerned with a program, operation, or system in contrast to <br /> certification, which is a quality designation for individuals who have met certain professional <br /> competencies. It is a voluntary program. <br /> WHY BE ACCREDITED? <br /> What are the benefits or wh y should an Agency be.accredited` The benefits to each <br /> community will vary; however, here are some of the most frequently cited: <br /> a. Recognition of quality of operation <br /> Often one has difficulty in "selling" to governing officials, the po 1.: V;al <br /> establishment' and the community the quality of one's operation, and <br /> sometimes it is not the Mature of the administrator to "blow one=s own horn" <br /> accreditation gives a recognition that basic standards or desirable practices <br /> have been met, and can help build community support and recognition. <br /> b. elf-evaluation to increase efficiency and effectiveness of operations and <br /> provide the public with evidence of accountability. <br /> The standards can serge as an instrument for self-evaluation. This can be an <br /> internal evaluation or involve local citizens. The Standards also can be used <br /> by local organizations, such as The League of Women voters, to initiate study <br /> of the parr and recreation service in the community. Accreditation gives <br /> evidence of accountability to the community leaders and citizens. <br /> C. Standards can be useful as a reference for expert opinion on desirable <br /> operational practices. <br /> *For further discussion of the function of credential ing i accreditation, certification - see: <br /> Twardzik, Luis F. "Accreditation: A Method for Evaluating public Park and Recreation <br /> Systems," parks and Recreation, March, 1987, NRPA. <br /> Twardzik, Luis F.- "A Proposed Program for the Accreditation of Local Park and <br /> Recreation Agenc1es," Trends, Vol. 30, No. 1, Winter, 1993. Park Practice program, <br /> NRPA. <br /> ntial in g - Management ement Tool and a Profession vehicle." <br /> van der mtssen, Betty. cede g <br /> Schole Vol. 6, Fall 1991, pp. 94.100. Journal of the Society of Park and Recreation <br /> Educators (SPRE), issue available from NRPA,Publications. <br /> 3 <br />