Performance-based Protocol Successfully Launched

AdvancED is pleased to announce feedback and field reviews of the performance-based protocol have been overwhelmingly positive.  Launched this past fall, the new AdvancED Accreditation Protocol and newly added components of the AdvancED Adaptive System of School Improvement Support Tools (ASSIST™) are helping to provide focused efforts on improvement initiatives.

AdvancED Accreditation is rooted in a commitment to continuous improvement.  This visionary new accreditation protocol creates a stronger alignment between internal and external diagnostic review, stakeholder feedback and student performance results.  The result is a performance-based accreditation process that provides each institution with a comprehensive analysis to drive continuous improvement.  Read more from the News section of the AdvancED Nevada web page.

AdvancED Summit 2013 Registration Opens

Registration for the AdvancED International Summit 2013 is open. This year’s Summit, Measuring Learner Success in the Digital Age, will be held June 23-25 in Washington, D.C. The event will investigate how to process the true measurement of learner success beyond numbers or test scores on a spreadsheet. Attendees will:

• Examine creative and forward-thinking education methods
• Develop connections with influential colleagues and decision makers
• Discuss current systems and strategies and learn new approaches and theories
• Participate in the leading educational event for innovation and advancement

At the Summit, you will discuss the ways technological advances can capture isolated abilities, facts and content knowledge to cultivate skills students need in the real world.

The three plenary sessions and corresponding dialogue breakouts will investigate:

Defining Learner Success in the Digital Age:  Describe and define the skills, knowledge, attributes and dispositions needed for students to thrive in a digitally-connected global society.

Fostering Learner Success in the Digital Age:  Explore the implementation of competency-based models for learning and badging systems.

Measuring Learning Success in the Digital Age:  Examine whether you have successfully prepared learners in alternative/performance-based assessments and Common Core State Standards.

Each plenary session will be followed by Disruptive Dialogue breakout groups in which participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and thoughts through the use of technology, hands on activities and group interaction. Participants will explore the various components integral to understanding and influencing learner success in the digital age. Click here to view Summit details and register today.

AdvancED School System Accreditation

Are Your Demographics Current?

Many of our schools and school systems have new administrators, addresses, phone numbers and especially email addresses.  Since the information in our Accreditation Management System is our primary source for contacting you, please take a moment to make sure the demographic information for your schools is correct.  To update your demographics, go to www.advanc-ed.org and log-in with your email address and password.  Click on your institution name, then click on the Profile tab which contains the link to the Demographics Update application.  If you have not logged into the website before or if you need assistance, please contact our office. 

Are You Proud of Your Accreditation?

Of course you are and we want to help you display your pride in your school or system’s achievement by providing you with an accreditation seal that you can display.  Schools and systems that have achieved accreditation through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) can obtain the latest accreditation seal to display at their school or school system.  These seals supersede the use of prior AdvancED, NCA CASI, NWAC or SACS CASI logos or seals that may have been used in the past and should be used in all marketing materials moving forward.

AdvancED developed a Communications Kit tailored especially for schools and school systems to promote their accreditation in their community.  In this kit, you can find the seal along with other resources and tools to help you spread the word about your commitment and dedication to student achievement.  If you are unsure how to access the Communications Kit for the accreditation seals and press release templates, contact our office.  Don’t delay; start using these tools today.

Resources for Improvement

Struggling with the issue of text complexity at the secondary level? Doug Fisher, Nancy Frey and Diana Lapp have recently published Text Complexity: Raising Rigor in Reading. Indicator 3.10 has schools talking about grading and how they report mastery of skills and content. Two resources that can guide such discussions are 15 Fixes for Broken Grades by Ken O'Connor and the Effective Grading Practices issue of Educational Leadership from November 2011. O'Connor also has authored How to Grade for Learning. Visit the ASCD website for additional information.