WASC Western Association for Schools and Colleges

Why Accreditation?

Certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning

Validates the integrity of a school’s program and student transcripts

Fosters improvement of the school’s programs and operations to support student learning

Assures a school community that the school’s purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable educational program

A way to manage change through regular assessment, planning, implementing, monitoring and reassessment

Assists a school/district in establishing its priority areas for improvement as a result of the perpetual accreditation cycle that includes School self-assessment of the current educational program for students School self-assessment of the current educational program for students Insight and perspective from the visiting committee Insight and perspective from the visiting committee Regular school staff assessment of progress through the intervening years between full self-studies. Regular school staff assessment of progress through the intervening years between full self-studies.

Expected School-wide Learning Results This term (ESLRs) seems to be morphing into Schoolwide Learner Outcomes This term (ESLRs) seems to be morphing into Schoolwide Learner Outcomes Need to reflect 21 st Century goals Need to reflect 21 st Century goals

What are Schoolwide Learner Outcomes? What should students know and be able to do upon exit from high school?

Schoolwide Learner Outcomes Cont’d What is the most effective preparation of students for their future? What is the most effective preparation of students for their future?

Five School-Wide Criteria We all need to be familiar with each of the areas even though your focus group will only focus on one of the five areas. We all need to be familiar with each of the areas even though your focus group will only focus on one of the five areas. We will be looking at our school through the lenses of the following five areas. We will be looking at our school through the lenses of the following five areas.

A. Vision and Purpose Governance Governance Leadership and Staff Leadership and Staff Resources Resources

B. Standards Based Student Learning: Curriculum All students participate in a rigorous, relevant, and coherent standards- based curriculum All students participate in a rigorous, relevant, and coherent standards- based curriculum All students have equal access All students have equal access Students have met all requirements of graduation Students have met all requirements of graduation

C. Standards-based Student Learning: Instruction All students are involved in challenging learning experiences All students are involved in challenging learning experiences All teachers use a variety of strategies and resources, including technology, that actively engage students, and emphasize higher order thinking skills All teachers use a variety of strategies and resources, including technology, that actively engage students, and emphasize higher order thinking skills

D. Standards-based Student Learning: Assessment and Accountability Professionally accepted assessment process Professionally accepted assessment process Teachers employ a variety of assessment strategies Teachers employ a variety of assessment strategies The school has an assessment and monitoring system: Expected Schoolwide Learning Results The school has an assessment and monitoring system: Expected Schoolwide Learning Results

E. School Culture and Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth The school leadership employs strategies to encourage parental and community involvement The school leadership employs strategies to encourage parental and community involvement The school is safe, clean, orderly and has a culture that is characterized by trust, professionalism, high expectations for all. The school is safe, clean, orderly and has a culture that is characterized by trust, professionalism, high expectations for all. All students receive support and an individualized learning plan All students receive support and an individualized learning plan Students have access to a system of personal support, activities and opportunities at school and within the community. Students have access to a system of personal support, activities and opportunities at school and within the community.

There are Five Expected Outcomes of our Self-Study

Through the completion of the self-study process the school will have accomplished: The involvement and collaboration of all staff and other shareholders to support student achievement.

Through the completion of the self-study process the school will have accomplished: The clarification and measurement of what all students should know, understand, and be able to do through expected schoolwide learning results and academic standards.

Through the completion of the self-study process the school will have accomplished : The gathering and analyzing of data about students and student achievement.

Through the completion of the self-study process the school will have accomplished : The assessment of the entire school program and its impact on student learning in relation to expected schoolwide learning results, academic standards, and WASC/CDE criteria.

Through the completion of the self-study process the school will have accomplished : The alignment of a long-range action plan to the school’s areas of need; the development and implementation of an accountability system for monitoring the accomplishment of the plan.