New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Public Elementary and Middle Schools The Accreditation Process

Steering Committee Orientation SAU #17

Ode to a Committee O give me pity, I’m on a Committee, Which means that from morning to night, We attend and amend, contend and defend, Without a conclusion in sight. We concur and confer, demur and defer, And reiterate all of our thoughts. We revise the agenda with frequent addenda, Then consider a load of reports. We compose and propose, suppose and oppose - The points of procedure are fun. Though various notions are brought up by motions, There’s terrible little gets done. We resolve and absolve, but never dissolve, Since it’s out of the question for us, To bring our Committee to end like this ditty Which stops with a period - thus.

Steering Committee Responsibilities Oversee faculty driven process –Become familiar with self study materials and process –Develop the calendar/timelines –Appoint committees and chairs –Establish protocols for committee work –Develop editing process –Manage faculty meetings to approve reports –Prepare final report –Establish a public relations plan Control/Communicate/Celebrate Develop spending plan Plan and implement the team visit process Maintain team spirit Establish communications with NEASC Finish the job!!!

Become Familiar With The Self Study Materials Know the Standards Read the self study materials Look at a sample report Visualize your final product

Develop Calendar and Timelines Phase 1 (1-2 months) Write Mission and Expectations Phase 2 (3-4 months) Begin School and Community Report Begin learning area studies Phase 3 (9-12 months) Complete learning area studies Begin Standards Reports Phase 4 (3-4 months) Complete Standards Reports Prepare final report Prepare for team visit

What Committees Will We Need? Learning Areas –Language Arts –Reading –Mathematics –Social Studies –Science –Art –Music –Physical Education –Health –Technology –Other Standards Committees –School and Community –Mission and Expectations –Curriculum –Instruction –Assessment –Leadership and Organization –School Resources –Community Resources Meeting Today

The Self Study Who Should Be Involved? Teachers Administrators Other building staff Kids Parents Central office staff Community members Other stakeholders

Establish Protocols for Committees Select or elect chairpersons Establish liaison procedures Review standards Provide orientation Set expectations Determine presentation format Determine times and timelines Address committee needs - time, computers, disks, etc Provide guidance/moral support

Develop Editing Process Where is the talent? –Technology talent –Grammar/mechanics talent –Writing talent –Big picture talent Establish formats and responsibilities Set parameters for committee work Understand the relationships between and among sections of the report Employ technology to your advantage We edit because fallible human beings make mistakes.

Whom Should We Keep Informed? Faculty Principal Parents Community School Board Superintendent Media

Next Steps Set calendar for steering committee meetings Review Standards among yourselves Invite faculty to choose learning area and standard committees Set up committees Develop a timeline for the entire process Establish liaisons with learning area committees Meet with committee chairs to set expectations for their reports Get it rolling!

What Should We Be Thinking About - Long Term? What will our self study look like? What material will we use as backup? What will be the plan of action for the team visit? How will we handle the follow-up?

What Do We Do If We’re Stuck? Call CPEMS at Fax us at or at