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| What is a School Assessment? |
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The process of a religious
yearlong self-study during which a committee closely scrutinizes
all aspects of the school. A completed report is submitted to the
Diocese (St. Joseph completed this portion of the assessment on June
15, 2003). |
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October 2003, a Visiting Team of
educators from outside the school conducted a site visit, examined
the self-study documents, conducted interviews, and reviewed the
school's strengths and concerns. They validated our self-study and
add any recommendations that they felt would strengthen our school
program. |
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| What is Accreditation? |
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Accreditation causes a school to evaluate its
educational programs objectively, identify strengths and weaknesses,
and develop recommendations on how the programs can be strengthened.
Our Diocese uses Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools
Accreditation (WRISA) to verify that our school is implementing
a quality process, including a long-range school improvement plan. |
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| Why Do We Undertake this Effort? |
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The Office of Catholic Schools has been encouraging
schools with and towards the process of accreditation since 1988.
As of 2003, only 3 of the 45 elementary schools in the Diocese are not either
now accredited or in the process of accreditation. In May of 2003,
Bishop Bullock approved a policy that states all schools must begin
the accreditation process and that all schools must
thereafter remain in good standing with the accrediting agency from
year-to-year. We at St. Joseph's feel fortunate that our administration
had the foresight to begin this process before the Bishop mandated
it. We are certain that this helped reduce some of the pressure and
enrich the experience for us! |
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| What Are the Benefits? |
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Accreditation historically increases knowledge
and understanding of the school and its programs, therefore increasing
support of the school and parish. |
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When an entire school community
feels it's really in control of its future and giving feedback (e.g.,
periodic surveys, evaluation teams, etc.), teachers, parents, and
administrators are more inclined to do the hundreds of little things
it takes to make our school function at its best. |
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As we broaden the base of those deeply committed
to the school program, many growth and networking opportunities will
naturally emerge. |
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| Does it Cost Money? |
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The only specific cost related to accreditation
is the annual fee of $100 to the Diocese/WRISA. |
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Operating costs of the school are not directly
affected by accreditation, although the accreditation process may
show us areas where strengths and weaknesses lie, which in the long
run can guide us to greater efficiency and help to realistically
and cost-effectively prioritize needed improvements. |
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| Will We Receive Money from Accreditation? |
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Not directly, but many schools use their accreditation
to promote the excellence of their school in meeting high standards
as identified by an agency that is independent from their school. |
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| What if We Don't Complete this Process? |
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If for some reason we would not continue with
the next phase of our school assessment and accreditation process
(visiting team and long-range school plan), we would need to begin
the entire self-study process anew—including
a new steering committee, surveys, etc. |
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The "later" portion of the question
is really not an option for St. Joseph School. We are required by
Diocesan guidelines (DBA Policy 6600) to be fully accredited by no
later than the 2005-2006 school year. |
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When Will Our Survey Suggestions
Get Implemented? |
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The self-study team reviewed each of the comments
/ suggestions and data that were collected from the various surveys.
Working with this data they set forth to identify our greatest strengths
and weaknesses and make recommendations for St. Joseph School based
on that information. |
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Implementation of a recommendation becomes a
part of our school's long-range plan, which can reach from the present
to from one to seven years in the future. This long-range plan allows
for changes to occur in an organized, student/staff/parent friendly
atmosphere, and makes sure with yearly reevaluation that the best
interests of St. Joseph School and Parish are being considered along
the way. |
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| Is the Complete School Assessment
and Accreditation Report Binder Available? |
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Once approved and returned from the Diocese,
each principal determines how the self-study is shared. The pastor,
education committee, parish council, and faculty will benefit from
examining the final report. Many principals place a copy of the self-study
in their school library. This is what Mrs. Wierschem plans to do
here at St. Joseph School. |
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| St. Joseph School has
a strong history of academic excellence and the School Assessment
and Accreditation process serves as a tool that continues to
enhance this tradition. Each person in the school and parish can
help to instill in our children a sense of commitment to God and
those around them. We hope this Web page has answered some of your
questions and that you will continue to support us in making St.
Joseph Catholic School a strong Christian and academic learning environment. |
