Abstract:

This multiple case study explored the experiences of educational leaders and faculty involved in the accreditation processes of higher education institutions in Puerto Rico. The primary objective was to identify and analyze best practices for optimizing educational quality and recognize barriers and challenges faced in these processes. The purpose was to describe the perspectives of administrative leaders and faculty involved in accreditation processes, identify barriers to implementing best practices, and explore cultural, social, and economic differences influencing these processes. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with educational leaders, focus groups with faculty, and document analysis of self-study accreditation reports. Key findings revealed that educational leaders successfully integrated accreditation standards into daily operations through regular audits and continuous training, ensuring staff maintained high competence levels.

The study identified ten best practices:
1) systematic implementation of accreditation standards in daily routines,
2) regular audits to monitor compliance and identify improvement areas,
3) continuous training workshops for academic and administrative staff,
4) promoting a culture of continuous improvement,
5) using data and evidence for continuous evaluation and improvement of accreditation practices,
6) strategically adapting accreditation strategies to contextual factors,
7) maintaining a flexible and adaptive approach,
8) active inclusion of a variety of stakeholders,
9) using advanced technologies to enhance effectiveness, and
10) establishing a continuous feedback system for real-time educational adjustments.

These practices highlighted the importance of strategic and visionary leadership in managing accreditation processes effectively. The study's relevance lies in its contribution to educational quality in Puerto Rico, providing practical recommendations tailored to the local context. Overall, the study underscored the critical role of strategic educational leadership in navigating accreditation, emphasizing continuous training, robust evaluation systems, and collaborative efforts to ensure accreditation practices are effective and adaptive.

Keywords:

Higher education accreditation, best practices, higher education leadership.