Covington County Schools is currently preparing for next month’s visit from AdvancEd, which will determine the system’s re-accreditation.

Accreditation Coordinator Barry Wood addressed the board of education Tuesday night to explain the work that is being put into ensuring the system earns accreditation, which finding its weaknesses.

AdvancEd research shows that every school requires:

• stable governance, management and leadership;

• a coherent course of study;

• a reliable system by which to assess students’ progress;

• instructors who have a clear understanding of what they aim to teach, how and why; and

• access to the resources they need.

Wood said he has teamed up with Superintendent Shannon Driver, Donny Powell, Nikki Guilford, Carrie Patterson and Kelly McCollough.

Under each standard, there is a team of five to 10, who have been charged with assessing the system’s strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, Wood said teams have been formed at each of the nine schools to find ways for continuous improvement.

“I think our teams have done a good job,” Wood said.

The team from AdvancEd will be in the county March 1 through March 4. The team will visit each of the nine schools, meet with board members and team members as well as talk to stakeholders at each of the schools. Classroom observations are also part of the process.

They will give their final approval Wed., March 4, at 3:30 p.m.