Transcript School Governance
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation Defined:
A process to evaluate and recognize an institution for meeting peer developed standards established for the purpose of promoting quality education.
How does inspection differ from accreditation?
Government inspections (KHDA) measure the school against other schools based on the schools progress and attainment.
NEASC/CIS accreditation inspections measure the school against the school’s own standards and their mission statement.
Accreditation Helps Schools Prepare for DSIB
DSIB Inspections
Students’ Progress and Attainment in Key Subjects
Personal and social development
Teaching, learning and assessment
Curriculum Support
School Culture and Partnerships for Learning
Governance and Leadership
Overall Performance CIS/NEASC Accreditation
Mission and School Vision Driven
Teaching & Learning
Governance & Leadership
Faculty & Support Staff
Access to Teaching & Learning
School Culture & Partnerships for Learning
Operational Systems
Our Mission
American Academy in Al Mizhar is committed to meeting the needs of families with an international outlook who have chosen an American education . By offering a co-educational early childhood program for dual language learners leading to a single gender college preparatory school for girls, our mission is to promote intellectual curiosity, independent and critical thinking , communication and problem solving skills, a lifelong passion for learning , and an exposure to and a respect for cultural diversity .
By expecting academic excellence , we inspire personal growth and develop intrinsically motivated global citizens who are committed to being leaders in community service and environmental responsibility .
Spring 2012
The Value of Accreditation
The Purpose of Dual Accreditation:
To be measured against both American and International standards
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Accreditation Value
Value to the School:
The opportunity for self assessment Improved intra school contact and understanding An evaluation by peers A plan for the future Confirmation of the school’s needs The award of accreditation itself
Value to the Student:
Access to greater opportunities for higher education Improved educational quality and consistency Value of external validation and the need for assessments and improvements Opportunity to engage with school more directly
Mission & Expectations Teaching and Learning Standards Curriculum Assessment Instruction
Support Standards
Leadership & Organization School Resources for Learning Community Resources for Learning
SELF STUDY
Is school specific
Is staff driven
Requires parental and community input
Requires reflection, discussion, consensus and back-up
Tells the story of how and how well the school meets CIS/NEASC standards for good schooling
• • • •
VISITING COMMITTEE
Reads the self study
Determines the degree to which the school meets the standards Spends four days watching the school in action Meets and discusses the self study with members of the school’s community
Develops the final report which includes perceptions, commendations and recommendations
Makes a recommendation about accreditation to CIS/NEASC Provides objective assessment of the conclusions of the self study
FOLLOW UP
Prioritize the recommendations found in the Visiting Committee Report Identify the responsible people and develop action plan Establish a timeline Develop strategies, adopt and adapt them, and assess the results Prepare appropriate reports:
Two Year Report
Special Progress Reports Five Year Report Celebrate the accomplishments
BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION
Self Awareness Self Evaluation Planning Opportunities Upholding Standards Quality Control Public Accountability School Approval School Improvement
So…. How did accreditation help us become a better school?
AAM
Links with Parents and the Community
– After Accreditation
Living the Mission Empowerment of Staff
Empowerment of Staff
Increased staff morale the accreditation process fostered staff unity, collegiality and rapport, thereby giving all school staff a feeling of ownership in the school’s successes.
Improved instruction recommendations led to positive changes in areas such as curriculum and assessment.
Greater staff teamwork and collegiality accreditation led to the formation of “Professional Learning Communities.”
LIVING THE MISSION
Community Leader Independent and Critical Thinker Lifelong Learner Cultural Diversity Global Citizen
Al-Mizhar
American
Academy