Last Friday, ASW received word that our re-accreditation process was successful and we were awarded full accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Ray Davis, Director of School Support and Evaluation was particularly thoughtful in his commendations:
In reaching their decision, CIS took into account the Evaluation Team’s commendations which were based on evidence of effective alignment with the standards for CIS International Accreditation. In granting the award of accreditation, CIS felt that the commendations – or strengths of the school – far outweigh any areas in which the school was deficient. Of particular note are the following:
- the thorough, inclusive, reflective manner with which the American School of Warsaw Self-Study Report was generated
- the identification and implementation of core values as the touchstone for strategic planning and all decision-making (Sections A and C)
- the creation of student-centred teaching and learning policies to guide instruction and assessment (Sections B, E, and F)
- the development of service learning as one means of engaging students as global citizens (Sections A and F)
- the concerted effort on the part of the Board of Trustees and Director to develop a ‘robust’ Board Manual establishing clear roles and responsibilities as well as policies guiding school operations (Section C)
- the positive school culture evident through respectful and supportive interactions among all stakeholders (Sections D and F)
- the strong financial health of American School of Warsaw (Section G)
These strengths and others should be celebrated by the school community.
As with all schools around the world, our job of continuous improvement is never complete. The action plan in the final report, largely authored by our team, has carefully articulated our path forward. With the additional insight and recommendations of the visiting team, we’ll set about that work in the immediate months and years ahead.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) performed a joint accreditation with CIS and we expect that their findings will be largely aligned. Our next report of progress on their recommendations will be compiled in the Spring of 2020. The full report will eventually be posted for all to review after these results have been presented to the board at our April meeting.
A quick note with regards to the board. Aspiring Board Member training is next week and there are still spots available for your participation. The link for signing up and details can be found here: https://goo.gl/forms/HuxZ5JGk0bO5lO9z2