Introduction+1

The //Accreditation for Growth// protocol is about creating a vision of a preferred future and then putting the systems into place to realize those dreams. [This is accomplished by] first building a consensus out of individual perceptions and thoughts about the school and, second, developing common hopes and dreams of what the school should be in the future.


 * // Why is accreditation important? //**


 * 1) ** Accreditation encourages improvement: **

n how we will assure continuous improvement n examines the entire school n establishes priorities n requires a five-year plan


 * 1) ** Accreditation provides a means for public accountability: **

n validates the integrity of the program n assures the community that the school’s purposes are appropriate and are being accomplished n justifies the faith and resources placed in the school


 * 1) ** Accreditation fosters stakeholders involvement and commitment: **

n provides grass-roots, broad-based involvement n offers a mechanism for constituent groups to play a role in the school’s future


 * 1) ** Accreditation builds positive public relations: **

n provides opportunities to emphasize the positive and show how strong and effective the school is n fosters closer school and community collaboration

=**Strategic Planning Through Accreditation for Growth**=


 * Focus **

n a plan is developed in addition to meeting standards n on outputs n on growth

Stakeholder Involvement
n broad cross-section who define, develop and implement the vision for growth n balanced so that the attention is on the student

Structure
n single structure of stakeholders who develop and maintain site plan and accreditation activities

Review
n after approval of the plan, annual updates n on-site visit every five years n a mid-point, one-day onsite review by a member of the original validation team

Drive
n based on future expectations and desired results n based on a school’s vision for itself n validates internal vision and actual results

Common Steps in Strategic Planning Process ** Clarifying a //Mission Statement// ** ** Developing //Belief Statements// ** ** Internal / External Scanning ** Identifying //Critical Issues// ** Establishing //Parameters and Mandates// ** ** Articulating a //Vision// ** ** Identifying //Goals and Objectives// ** ** Developing //Action Plans// **