A review team from the commission that oversees academic accreditation visited this week with Dawson County school officials, administrators, students and teachers.

The review chairperson for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools — SACS — will address the board of education at tonight’s 6:30 p.m. work session regarding results of the evaluation.

The Quality Assurance Review Team visits systems every five years to examine the district as a whole to determine how well it works to meet the needs of students.

According to Superintendent Keith Porter, Dawson County school officials have been preparing for the accreditation process for the past 18 months by conducting self assessment internal reviews.

The AdvancED/SACS Quality Assurance Review Team’s agenda includes interviewing district leaders, community stakeholders, teachers and students.

A written report will be issued in several weeks following tonight’s presentation from the SACS chairperson.

According to its Web site, SACS is one of six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation process ensures that districts are meeting national academic standards.