From the Chairman's Desk                                      

We as educators constantly face change brought on by the need to make sure that our students receive a quality education that equips them for life in this the 21st Century. AdvancED recognizes the need to provide leadership to help ensure that educational institutions adapt to that change in a manner that provides opportunities for students to develop skills for today and the foreseeable future.

AdvancED as a global leader, is helping direct that change. For example, its External Review process will now use an Index of Educational Quality (IEQ) as a barometer to gauge school achievement and performance. The IEQ is centered around three domains: 1) the analysis and evaluation of the impact of teaching and learning, 2) the leadership capacity to govern, 3) the degree to which resources are optimally utilized. Embedded in these domains are the AdvancED Standards for Quality and their accompanying Indicators.

The review process is further characterized by innovative approaches to assessing classroom environments, stakeholder involvement and student performance. Student assessment data are collected and analyzed to provide a longitudinal snapshot of progress made in student achievement. External Review Team members now observe classrooms for a specific amount of time to assess seven environmental qualities: equitable learning, high expectations, supportive learning, active (versus passive) learning, monitoring and feedback, well-managed learning, and the extent to which students are engaged with digital learning tools and devices. Stakeholder survey results also are collected and analyzed to help gauge stakeholder involvement with the school.

All data collected and analyzed form the basis for the final report which provides useful information to schools in the form of powerful practices (which are synonymous with commendations), opportunities for improvement and required actions. Acceptance and implementation of the findings will undoubtedly help catapult the school to its next level of overall achievement.

Many resources are available to assist schools in preparing for and maintaining accreditation. Schools are invited to visit the AdvancED Florida Web page to find and explore information related to the AdvancED Florida Council and conferences which provide educators with professional learning opportunities. In addition, there are many printed and visual resources available through AdvancED, as well as the expertise, support and leadership from AdvancED Florida Office.

Finally, while AdvancED accreditation is based on meeting high Standards, continuous improvement and Assurances, it is also a network of professional educators focused on meeting the educational needs of each child and providing resources, professional learning and educational best practices based on research.

The council is excited about working with you as we work together to ensure that our students, their parents and the communities from which they come are provided 21st Century learning opportunities and educational services.

Sincerely,

James W. Brown, Jr.
Chairman, AdvancED Florida Council