The focus of accreditation is student learning and meeting the needs of students whether they begin their educational journey with us in preschool or merge into our system at a later point. Students' needs are continually assessed, school site plans and improvement plans are devised to meet the needs, and action plans are executed. Although students reach the end of the accreditation road when they graduate, schools continue to stay on the path, ensuring Board Ends are met.
Accreditation Absolutes are requirements of state law or Academy District 20 policy which all schools must meet. The categories are those defined by Robert Marzano in What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action (ASCD, 2003). Absolutes categories include:
1. Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum
Providing students with a guaranteed and viable curriculum has a high correlation with student achievement. The factors in this area include the opportunity and time to learn as well as a clearly articulated curriculum.
2. Challenging Goals and Effective Feedback
Having high expectations, setting academic goals with students, monitoring these goals and providing students with timely and ongoing feedback positively impacts student achievement.
3. Parent and Community Involvement
The extent to which parents and community members are involved in and supportive of schools impacts a school's overall effectiveness. Communication, participation and governance are all important components in successful involvement.
4. Safe and Orderly Environment
Students and staff need to feel safe in order to excel. Establishing clear rules for behavior and holding students accountable is important in maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
5.Collegiality and Professionalism
The manner in which educators interact and the degree to which they approach their work as professionals impacts the learning environment of the school.
Absolutes are verified by principals with members of their Building Accountability Committee and submitted to the office of the superintendent annually.