Sunday, October 16, 2011

All BAS employees participated in Staff Development on Monday, October 10. Classified and Support staffs had targeted training sessions covering digital, safety and technical skills. Certificated teachers worked with Administration on the upcoming accreditation Self Study Report. At our Back to School Staff Development in August, we introduced our Self Study Report to the staff and met in cross-departmental groups to review the document, recording suggested edits, changes, additions and other feedback on our approach to earning accreditation from WASC.

Based on staff recommendations, we agreed to modify our school’s Mission Statement and Student Learning Outcomes. Our revisions are:

The mission of the Berkeley Adult School is to provide adult learners with equal access to learner-centered lifelong education in a safe, supportive multicultural environment.

Schoolwide Learner Outcomes

All students will
·         Identify and achieve personal goals
·         Practice respect of diversity
·         Build self confidence
·         Demonstrate effective communication
·         Develop and practice analytical thinking skills
·         Be lifelong learners

In addition, we again worked in cross-departmental groups and developed a prioritized list of strengths and key issues in ten areas, including

1.    Institutional Mission, Purpose, and Objectives
2.    Organizational Structure
3.    Evaluation and Planning
4.    Educational Programs
5.    Program, Student, and Institutional Outcomes
6.    Student Support Services
7.    Human Resources
8.    Learning Resources
9.    Financial Resources
10. Physical Resources

The purpose of the self-study process is to identify key issues that are inserted into a schoolwide Action Plan that governs school improvement activities and events. The schoolwide Action Plan is used regularly, reviewed annually, and monitored consistently by the governing body to ensure continuing school improvement. The work we have done so far will help us develop the Action Plan, and a draft will be shared in November.

We’ll be editing the entire Self Study Report, including the Action Plan through the winter until we agree and are satisfied that all stakeholders have weighed in and understand the accreditation criteria and process. In the spring, a Visiting Committee comprised of statewide educators will practically live at our school for three and a half days, investigating and validating our report. Stay tuned for updates and get involved if you’re a stakeholder; contact BAS Administration.

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