We recently asked parents, as well as faculty and staff, to participate in an independent school survey. The survey is part of the self-study study process required for re-accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
It is extremely important for USM to receive feedback from parents and, as I noted in my communication in advance of the survey, your answers provide an important way for us to track the satisfaction of our families and the effectiveness of our programs.
I would like to use my blog this week to tell you a little more about the accreditation process. University School participates in a seven-year accreditation cycle that begins with the preparation of a self-study. A school’s self-study tells the story of the school, allowing the institution and its departments to describe in narrative form how their progress relates to their constituents’ perceptions and the school’s mission.
A key component of the process involves a peer review conducted by independent school administrators and faculty who therefore understand and appreciate independent school qualities and contributions to education. The review team asks the question, “Does USM live up to its mission?” It looks for full disclosure and high-quality performance. The team concludes the review by providing a set of commendations and recommendations. The school, in turn, commits to taking action on the recommendations and to reporting progress in accomplishing the goals until the next accreditation cycle begins.
USM benefits greatly as we hold ourselves to the highest standards, and through this process we receive invaluable feedback from our parents, faculty and staff, and alumni, as well as a team of outstanding independent school educators.
The accreditation process serves to provide us not only with the views of internal constituencies but also gives us the advantage of an external evaluation, ensuring we always “represent the best in prekindergarten through twelfth grade independent education.”
