Wayne schools earn 'quality' accreditation
By Staff Reports
Published in News on December 12, 2008 1:46 PM
Wayne County Public Schools have been accredited as a "Quality School System" through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) and AdvancED.
A review team of current educators in districts across the state and nation made a four-day visit to the district in November for a quality assurance review. They visited schools and interviewed 270 stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, administrators, school board members and business partners.
The process is a rigorous one, said Dr. Ruby Bell, a district director whose responsibilities include accreditation.
"During the review, the team analyzed documents, student performance data, and other relevant artifacts to determine how well we as a district meet student needs, as well as what areas can be improved upon," she said.
The team examined the district's systems and processes in relation to the seven AdvancED standards -- vision and purpose, governance and leadership, teaching and learning, documenting and using results, resource and support systems, stakeholders communication and relationships, and commitment to continuous improvement.
"This is a tremendous achievement for a district our size," said Dr. Steven Taylor, WCPS superintendent. "In the past, each individual school had to maintain their accreditation based on the standards set by SACS CASI for that school. Districtwide accreditation is more difficult to achieve, as there are more variables looked at in regards to the district, from the central office to the individual classrooms."
The review teams's findings reflected several commendations and recommendations. District officials will now review those findings and develop actions plans.
A summary report will then be posted on the district Web site, www.wayne countyschools.org.