NEASC & International Baccalaureate
Background:
In the Spring of 2024, ACSD began a two year process toward joint accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and International Baccalaureate (IB). NEASC and IB are independent nonprofit organizations that support schools with best educational practices. Our partnerships with them offer guidance and resources for our schools. They each offer their own process to evaluate schools:
- NEASC focuses on whole-school improvement and growth. NEASC accreditation evaluates the health and function of our district and schools in their entirety including organizational structure, safety, finance and resources and
- IB provides the framework for our curriculum. Their evaluation assesses how our schools and educators are learning and working together to implement a high-quality curriculum for all students.
In 2023, principals from all nine ACSD schools submitted reports to NEASC. These reports assessed each school and the District against the NEASC foundational standards. The NEASC visiting team issued an initial report in May 2024 highlighted areas of need. The team returned in the Fall of 2024, you can read their report here.
Where are we now? Now we are in the evidence gathering phase of assessment and we are seeking parent and community involvement! We are working to assess how our school communities and districts are doing.
- This year is about reflecting and gathering evidence about what is happening in our schools. This reflection will help us determine if the work we’re doing in our schools is having the impact we intend.
- We’re especially excited about the process this year, because (for most of us*!) it won’t involve extra work. It simply involves sharing the good work you’re already doing.
- This evidence lets us go beyond standardized math and literacy data to tell the whole story of our schools. It will show us where we are thriving and where we need to lean in to strengthen our work.
What role do our staff, caregivers, and community play?
Over the next 2 years, everyone plays a role in this process. In 2024, the NEASC/IB team visited and met with administrators, staff, students, teachers, and caregivers. In the 2024-2025 there are two primary ways to be involved:
1. Evidence gathering: We will assess the ACSD community on 5 (LP 1, 3, 6, 7, and 9) of NEASC’s Learning Principles. Our teachers and staff will submit evidence toward the 5 Learning Principles. Later this year we will also introduce opportunities for students, caregivers, and community members to submit evidence.
2. Learning Principle Teams: We will create 5 Learning Principle Teams based on the 5 Learning Principles we have picked. The teams will be made up of ACSD teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. The teams will assess the evidence that is submitted and present back to the ACSD community how we are doing toward each standard. They will meet from December-April. All team members will be compensated $40/hr. If you are interested in joining a Learning Principle Team, please fill this form out by November 30th, 2024.
NEASC & IB ACCREDITATION
