Taking the Mystery Out of Accreditation Get the Inside Scoop! Kanu o ka ‘ Āina NCPCS Pat Bergin

1. Taking the Mystery Out of Accreditation Get the Inside Scoop! Kanu o ka ‘Āina NCPCS Pat Bergin Taffi Wise Allyson Tamura

2. Preparation • Begin with a kick off celebration after your application is accepted. ~Include all stakeholders ~Share about the process ~Create excitement & enthusiasm

3. Preparation • Educate stakeholders about the process ~Remind them it’s not an evaluation ~Let them know it’s a self-improvement process to help good schools get better ~Remind them that this is about the kids and what we do for them

4. Preparation • Begin with the end in mind and backward map • Select an accreditation chair early on so he/she can attend all pertinent training for chairs • Begin the process early with regularly scheduled meetings; increase frequency as visit draws nearer

5. Preparation • Document the process from beginning to end, it can serve as evidence • Develop a meeting template for all groups to use and report back • Involve all stakeholders (anyone who touches the school in any way) in the process to provide input, review, and feedback throughout to build awareness, understanding and buy in

6. Preparation • Participate in all training opportunities provided by WASC and HAIS • Apply to serve on visiting committees for both organizations to help committee chairs understand the process from the VC perspective • Respond to initial visit recommendations and provide all follow up reports on progress made

7. Preparation • Keep stakeholders calm and free from anxiety through constant “pep” talks and question/answer opportunities throughout the process • Convey a can do attitude even if it is hard work • Speak to the student council so they can take the lead in preparing their peers

8. Self Study Process • Establish committees; organize in a manner that works best for you to cover all the pieces of the self study report • Develop an accreditation countdown calendar; adjust/share regularly

9. Self Study Process • Search existing documents, cut and paste, tweak to incorporate into self-study report instead of rewriting • Access WASC website for information and guidance • Use WASC Plus or similar program to hold/share data with one another to preserve writing

10. Self Study Process • Provide time during work day for teachers to meet and work • Conduct PD on reviewing philosophy, mission and beliefs to ensure everyone clearly understands and is grounded in it

11. Self Study Process • Collect evidence • Support with data—quantitative=formal written assessments, surveys, evaluation forms, fiscal records, demographics; qualitative=interviews, observations, newsletters, photos, student work samples, student and parent comments, handbooks, etc.

12. Self Study Process • Meet with the VC chair to share progress and receive guidance, direction, his/her expectations, etc. • If you need more time, do not hesitate to ask for an extension from WASC

13. Self Study Process • Determine format for the report; best written in third person. Remember that you speak in a collective voice for the ‘ohana • Decide ahead of time regarding the abbreviations (i.e. KANU, etc) that you will use throughout the document

14. Self Study Process • Use guide provided to focus self study report (Accreditation Thoughts and Reminders) • Narratives must address the standards but the indicators guide how you address them • Write in a way that says who you are and what you believe in • Write the self-study report so it is a true reflection of who you are as long as you address all of the criteria (see accreditation standards index)

15. Self Study Process • Allow plenty of time for production of the report • Develop timeline for sharing (sample) • Provide time for sharing with all stakeholders • Sharing via CD saves paper • Explore all ideas and suggestions; then scrap those that don’t fit • Have other eyes review for flow, ease of reading, addressed criteria, logical, correctly identified areas for improvement, reasonable do-able action plan, edits, proofing, etc.

16. Self Study Process • Focus the report on the analysis of the data it is a critical piece that should not be left out; if it is a serious concern it may become part of the action plan • When the indicator asks to describe and evaluate, you are being asked to do an analysis of your procedure, practice, etc.

17. Self Study Process • Delegate responsibilities—decide on format for evidence folders • Help teachers make connections with what they do in the classroom to the criteria and process • Delegate responsibilities—decide on format for evidence folders • Provide lots of supplies for staff and teachers to prepare evidence folders • Look at the evidence you collected and connect to improvement efforts

18. Self Study Process • The analysis and evaluation is the foundation of the self-study report that leads to curriculum improvement next steps (action plan) • Determine action plan format that works best for you • Allow 2 months lead time for committee to receive the report

19. Site Visit • Send voluminous written materials to the visiting committee prior to the visit • Provide housing to accommodate meetings during evening hours • Provide makana • Involve parents and students in welcoming the committee (pā‘ina)

20. Site Visit • Provide charts/posters of mission, vision, etc. in classrooms • Provide containers for student work in each classroom for visiting committee

21. After the Site Visit • Debrief with stakeholders after the visit • Celebrate the hard work of all with a pā‘ina • Review VC report • Revise action plan accordingly • Follow action plan

22. Key Words of Wisdom to Remember • Flexible – open to change throughout the process • Inclusive – include all stakeholders who touch the school in some way • Time – begin early; provide time for dialogue and planning; there is never enough time • Consistency – regularly scheduled meetings; agree on a process and format you will use throughout the report • Celebrate – begin with a kick off celebration; successes during the journey and end with a mahalo to all stakeholders for their hard work after the visit