For the fourth consecutive year, more than 9 out of 10 students who enroll with a DETC accredited institution reported they achieved their learning goals and are satisfied with their studies. And, for the fourth consecutive year, the overwhelming majority would recommend their alma mater to a friend: more than 97% (for non-degree students) and 94% (for degree students) thought enough of their experiences with a DETC institution that they would suggest it to another person.

Each year, institutions accredited by the DETC must engage in a formal “outcomes assessment” process where, among other outcomes-measuring activities, they must survey a random selection of their students to elicit their level of satisfaction with their studies.

Since most DETC students are adult learners who have roles other than that of being a student, they are in a unique position to judge whether they are realizing their learning goals and if they are satisfied with their studies at their institution.

In 2006, the Commission increased the minimum acceptable percentage from 67% to 75%to a survey that contains three
questions mandated by the Accrediting Commission where students must answer positively (“Yes”) about their experiences.
The results below present the average (mean) for all the DETC institutions reporting for 2003 through 2006. In many cases,

individual institution survey results indicated “100% student satisfaction.”

These outstanding results, after four years o fDETC surveys, document that DETC institutions are
delivering on their promises to their students. These survey results are solid evidence that DETC
accredited institutions are giving value and are worthy of public confidence.

The cumulative results for the survey for all U.S.-based postsecondary and degree institutions for the past four years are below:

Question 1. Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completing your studies,
the goals you had when you started the course or program? (% that answered “Yes”)



Question 2. Would you recommend these studies to a friend? (% that answered “Yes”)

Question 3. All things considered, were you satisfied with your studies? (% that answered “Yes”)

We congratulate the DETC institutions on this outstanding record.Michael P. Lambert, Executive Director

The Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSCSS) has announced that Blackstone Career Institute has been accredited for the period ending November 9, 2009. The decision to accredit Blackstone Career Institute was awarded on the basis of an agreement approved by MSCSS and the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The agreement allows a school to utilize the rigorous process of self-study, visitation, and report of one of the two accrediting agencies to apply for accreditation from both MSCSS and DETC. The agreement between the two agencies also ensures that any school seeking accreditation through the cooperative agreement can demonstrate that it meets the standards of quality for both agencies.

MSCSS is one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized around the world for promoting standards of quality for schools and its protocols for promoting school improvement. DETC is a

well-known leader in recognizing and promoting quality distance education schools. Both MSCSS and DETC are recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as approved accreditation agencies.

To be accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools, a school must meet the Middle States Association’s standards for each major area of a school’s work and activity. These areas include the school’s philosophy/mission/beliefs/objectives, governance and leadership, organizational design and staff, educational programs, learning media services and technology, student services, student life and activities, facilities, health and safety, finances, assessment of student learning, and planning.

“Blackstone Career Institute is to be congratulated for having completed the rigorous and demanding accreditation review
process successfully,” said Dr. Henry G. Cram, Executive Director of the Commission on Secondary Schools. “By meeting
the standards of the Association, and by having established a comprehensive and challenging strategic plan to improve
targeted areas of school performance, Blackstone Career Institute has joined a growing number of schools in the Middle
States region that are committed to public accountability for their results. Blackstone has demonstrated that it is a quality
institution using distance education as a means to provide access to their educational programs.”

For more information about the accreditation of Blackstone Career Institute,
contact Emily Eider at 610-871-0031, ext. 212 or by email at eeider@blackstone.edu.