CIS Houston Board Members and the National TQS Review Committee
On December 8th CIS Houston achieved National Accreditation by demonstrating compliance with all Communities In Schools new Total Quality System (TQS) standards. CIS Houston, has for the more than 30 years of its operations been a part of a national affiliation of CIS organizations throughout the country. The Houston-based non-profit is one of the oldest and largest of the over 200 CIS affiliates located in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
CIS National developed the Total Quality System recently (the process began in 2006) to establish clear operational guidelines that ensure uniform quality and improved outcomes for all students being served by Communities In Schools affiliates. The TQS system is part of an organization-wide commitment to evidence-based practice and the highest standards of accountability.
The TQS standards define expectations for effective non-profit business practices and for implementing the Communities In Schools model of integrated student support services at school sites. The site standards are based on a five-year, longitudinal national evaluation conducted by an independent, outside evaluator that documented the impact of the Communities In Schools model. The evaluation revealed that schools implementing the Communities In Schools model with high fidelity had higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and performed better than comparison schools in increasing the percentage of students meeting or exceeding math and reading proficiency in 4th and 8th grades, a crucial predictor of high school graduation.
CIS Houston has been pleased to participate in the TQS process with the recognition that uniformity in the quality of our practices helps raise and maintain the effectiveness of our services across the country.
For more information about our National organization and other state and city affiliates go HERE.
