Accreditation Introduction

Hills Learning is fully accredited. What this means is a governing body has come in and observed our classes, facilities, administration, finances, instructors, and overall program and given us the distinction of being an accredited institution.

Generally what this means is that the institution has a quality offering, meaning that our curriculum, teaching methods, assessments, and other parts of our program have been checked by experts in the field. It also means that we are a data driven organization, we have specific objectives that we have set for educational performance for our students and our teachers for the coming years.

Middle States Website

Our Mission, Core Values and Profile of Graduates

The accreditation objectives are the drivers of Hills Learning's educational program and are reviewed semi-annually by the planning team. Data for each objective is collected and analyzed. Each objective is aimed to be fulfilled by 2023:

  1. Mission
    We inspire the confidence to communicate in a foreign language, stimulate motivation to achieve each individual’s goals, and encourage a lifetime of language learning.
  2. Core Values

    -Language learning is a lifetime pursuit.

    -Every individual deserves to learn at their own pace.

    -You can only begin to understand your own culture when you start to understand

    others.

    -Language is the key to open new doors.

    -Diversity encourages society to accept and respect differences.

    -Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and fairness.

    -Self assessment and reflection are key to being successful in your career and life.

  3. Profile of Graduates

    -Self Directed Learners

    Students should be able to identify and develop goals for their studies. They should also be able to set milestones and effectively evaluate achievement towards those milestones.

    -Learn From Their Mistakes

    It is easy to make mistakes when speaking in a foreign language. Students develop the positive attitude that mistakes are necessary and are part of the learning process in communicating with others.

    -Communicate Clearly

    Students will be able to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written and nonverbal communication skills

    -Work Effectively in Diverse Teams

    Through learning language, students gain new perspectives. By gaining language skills and having a variety of perspectives, students will be able to work effectively in diverse teams and address social and professional challenges effectively.

    -Develop New Perspectives

    People tend to be affected by media and it is easy to judge culture without critically thinking about world issues. We believe that learning language helps develop a broader perspective on culture and enables students to think objectively.

Accreditation Timeline

Here's a recent history of our accreditation and key dates for the future:

2014

Candidacy application submitted (June); multiple sets of applications, site visit set in November for Candidacy

2015

Site visit takes place in February, planning team established in April, self-study accreditation survey released in September, 100+ responses. December objectives approved by MSA.

February 2016

Site Visit by Middle States Association, two representatives came and interviewed multiple students, teachers and other stake holders of the learning center. The team also analyzed and commented on the accreditation report submitted by Hills Learning (200 page report).

March 2016

Visiting Team's Report Processed and sent to President for Approval. Recommendations taken under consideration by Hills Learning, but the conclusion by the visiting team is to recommend Hills Learning for accreditation.

May 2016

Accreditation granted to Hills Learning until January 1 2024

May 2019

Midterm review completed

May 2022

Reaccreditation procedures, selecting new internal coordinators and logistics for self-study and reaccreditation

June 2022

Self-study survey of all stake holders completed, 117 responses. Objectives selected by planning team for reaccreditation

November 2022

Self-study document completed

January 2023

Site visit by Middle States, interviews with key stakeholders (teachers, students from multiple languages) and all administrators. 100+ page reaccreditation report analyzed, commented on and suggestions given my middle states personnel. 

April 2023

President of MSA and accreditation committee officially re-accredits Hills Learning until July 1, 2030. 

May 1 2026

Midterm Report due

Fall 2029

Middle States reaccreditation visit planned

Accreditation Objectives

The accreditation objectives are the drivers of Hills Learning's educational program and are reviewed semi-annually by the planning team. Data for each objective is collected and analyzed. Each objective is aimed to be fulfilled by 2023:

  1. 75% of all students will pass their speaking assessments
    Technical Objective: By 2030, 75% of all students enrolled in a 12 hr class will increase their speaking (based on ACTFL) by one phase level. Data Points: Assessment grades from speaking assessments. Can-Do Statements issued in group classes, where students self assess themselves on each can-do statement at the end of the semester.
  2. 75% of all students will pass their proficiency assessments (proficiency is listening, reading and writing)
    Technical Objective: By 2030, 75% of all students enrolled in a 12 hr class pass their proficiency tests (70% or greater) Data Points: Assessment grades from proficiency assessments. Can-Do Statements issued in group classes, where students self assess themselves on each can-do statement at the end of the semester.
  3. 60% of all our students continue taking classes with us
    Technical Objective: By 2030, 60% of all students enrolled in a 12 hr class will continue learning with us as measured by 6 month increments Data Points: Data from active versus inactive students at Hills Learning
  4. 90% of all classes will be conducted in target language
    Technical Objective: By 2030, Hills Learning classes will use target language only (90% or greater). Data Points: Class observations given by administrators, colleague teachers, and students in feedback forms.
  5. 60% of class time is STT (Student Talking Time)
    Technical Objective: By 2030, Hills Learning classes will have STT, or Student Talking Time, of (60% or greater). Data Points: Class observations given by administrators, colleague teachers, and students in feedback forms.