WASC Words International

Dear WASC Community,

Our WASC team is expanding to serve the significant growth in the number of schools that we serve. We welcome Nehad Ahmed, based in the Middle East and Michael Bevis based in the U.S. and China to our team. Nehad and Michael bring long years of experience with WASC. They are very eager to learn how they can best serve your school.

The WASC Team took advantage of what are generally ‘slower’ months over the northern hemisphere summer to engage in important development work. We are happy to share what has transpired.

1. An important revision of our criteria, guided by current educational research that resulted in:

• A stronger focus on how learning is supported by effective data and cyber security practices
• Further strengthening of our governance criterion
• Strengthening our commitment to supporting truly inclusive environments through social emotional learning
• Strengthening the definition of “all” within our protocol to make clear that it refers to all students and the whole community and encompasses concepts such as equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging. All’ has long been a central mantra for WASC; however, we recognize the need to more clearly define what ‘all’ encompasses, especially in light of evolving priorities and perspectives within the educational landscape

Many thanks to our team for all their efforts in ensuring that our criteria remain current and relevant yet at the same time remain non prescriptive. I would also like to thank Mark Orchison from 9ine for his valuable input into our data and cyber security work, the Office of Overseas Schools for their important guidance on social emotional learning, and Rick Detweiler for his input into governance. This support from experts in the field is very much appreciated and adds tremendous value to our protocol.

2. Work on revising the initial visit and mid cycle procedures.

These projects are due for completion by September and focus on:

• Streamlining the process
• Further highlighting the key concepts that WASC accreditation holds dear such as ongoing school improvement, data guided decision making and effective planning processes built on the findings from school reflection

3. Creation of a set of video resources for schools.

These resources range from tips on how to engage with the self-study process to ideas on supporting learning and well-being. They will be available to schools in the coming weeks. In addition, we added a summer visiting committee training on a North American time zone. We have also supplemented our training program with asynchronous options for Chair and Refresher training.

4. Further rollout of our Personalized Focus on Learning.

Several schools have engaged with our Personalized Focus on Learning protocol. This protocol provides an opportunity for a school to co-construct with WASC how the accreditation process will be used within the school. It allows for additional innovation and the development of a process that is 100% tailored to the current needs and context of the school. The Personalized Focus on Learning process is best used when a school has experienced the ‘regular’ Focus on Learning protocol and is now poised to build on this key foundation. If your school is interested in learning more, please contact me.

5. Recognition by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

As a result of this recognition a High School Diploma awarded by a WASC accredited school will be recognized as a legitimate university entrance qualification to Indian universities. A requirement -stipulated by AIU- is that 40% of the total number of credits are to stem from externally examined subjects. Already this summer students from WASC accredited schools have taken advantage of this recognition. If you need further information, please contact me.

Our Team is putting the final touches to our renewed strategic plan. This year, in addition to the feedback from our survey to schools, we have engaged an external agency to gather data and to be our thought partner. A major part of our plan is geared towards supporting the diverse needs of our schools through identifying and developing needed resources. Our vision is clear ‘Excellence in worldwide education through personalized support’. We also remain committed to offering cost effective and quality access to accreditation services.

Thank you for having faith in us and please continue to let us know how we can further our partnership with your school!

Have a great year/rest of semester,

Margaret

This year, WASC supported over 5,500 schools worldwide in fostering equity, inclusion, and access for all students. With 2,048 schools evaluated, we reaffirm our dedication to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

Highlights include:

• Enhanced training modules for educators with certificates and badges.
• A groundbreaking initiative to reimagine the accreditation process.
• Continued focus on equity and inclusion in school evaluations.

Let’s celebrate the educators, institutions, and students driving change and setting the standard for quality education!

Read the full report here:

https://issuu.com/acswasc533/docs/2024_wasc_annual_report_4_

Many thanks to Boundless Life for piloting our WASC International Systems Protocol. We are so happy that Boundless Life is as excited as us by the possibilities this protocol offers groups of schools.

Our systems accreditation protocol is a flexible format for accreditation designed for schools that belong to a foundation, corporation, or religious group that offers centralized services for the schools that form part of the group. The protocol strengthens the accreditation support given to the group’s central administration while at the same time recognizing the individuality of each school site and supporting its development.

The aim is to maximize the school group’s resources by reducing repetition and redundancy through undertaking a one-time per cycle analysis of systems that pertain to the central administration. This is done by a one-time self-study and analysis of the central administration functions at each accreditation point (initial visit, self-study, mid cycle).

This format provides the opportunity for shortened on site visits and shorter individual self-studies for each school in the group. This process also ensures a greater degree of

consistency in the accreditation process amongst schools in the group and a systems thinking approach at central administration level which includes the overall group strategic development plan.

As an example of this in action, Margaret Alvarez, Vice President International Accreditation and Natalie Merritt, WASC international consultant, spent one week traveling to each European based Boundless Life school and then a few weeks later made a short trip to its Bali based school. During the 8 days of visit they also held meetings with staff members that hold central office functions. Working days were long but this carefully constructed approach allowed the system (group of schools) to effectively and efficiently bring in multiple schools at one time.

Sharing the organization’s enthusiasm for this innovative process, Suzanne Perkowsky, Head of Education Operations wrote:

“Collaborating with WASC has provided me the invaluable support of two seasoned professionals, enabling us to pause, reflect, and revisit everything we've developed over the past three years with fresh perspectives. Building an educational system that spans multiple schools requires vision and agility at an entirely new level—something we are pioneering at Boundless Life. This journey with WASC will strengthen us and help create an innovative system that bridges geographies, cultures, and people. It will empower our students to see the world through new eyes while receiving a strong academic foundation.

In Margaret and Natalie, I found true allies in our journey to improve and grow our systems. Their approach was not one of judgment, but of support and collaboration. Together, we are working towards refining what we do, with their guidance fostering positive change and continuous improvement."

Thank you Suzanne for facilitating the visit and accompanying us from destination to destination.

WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) recently hosted two highly engaging and impactful Fireside Chats, facilitated by Dr. Margaret Alvarez, Vice President of International Accreditation. The events brought together leading voices in international education to discuss critical topics, from fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to preparing students for success in college admissions.

October 17, 2024: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in International Education

This Fireside Chat featured Kevin Simpson, Founder of The Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC), and drew a global audience of educators committed to advancing DEI in their schools and organizations. Key highlights included:

• Strategies for Building Awareness and Inclusion: Practical tools for creating inclusive environments were shared, emphasizing grassroots and systemic approaches.
• Lessons Learned: Kevin Simpson shared personal and professional insights into common pitfalls in DEI implementation and how to overcome them effectively.
• Future Trends: The conversation touched on the evolving role of DEI in education, underlining the need for accountability and sustainable practices.

The interactive format allowed for meaningful engagement, leaving attendees inspired to evaluate and enhance their DEI initiatives.

November 26, 2024: College Admissions and the Importance of Quality Programs

The second event featured Carol Choong, Senior Director of the International Division at College Board. This session focused on the role of quality programs in shaping competitive college applications. Key topics included:

• Admissions Team Priorities: Insights into what admissions committees value most in applicants, from academic rigor to extracurricular depth.
• The Role of Quality Programs: How robust academic and extracurricular offerings enhance college readiness and set students apart.
• Practical Tips for Success: Strategies for students to stand out in an increasingly competitive college admissions landscape.

Attendees praised Carol’s expertise and actionable advice, which provided clarity on how schools and students can effectively navigate the college admissions process.

Key Takeaways from Both Events

These Fireside Chats showcased WASC’s commitment to addressing pressing issues in education. Participants highlighted the following outcomes:

• Inspiration and Practicality: Both events offered actionable strategies to enhance institutional and student success.
• Global Relevance: The topics resonated with international educators, providing insights applicable across diverse educational settings.
• Community Engagement: The open and collaborative format fostered meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas.

These events reflect WASC’s dedication to equipping educators and institutions with the tools and knowledge needed to foster inclusive, high-quality educational experiences.

The international team has just completed a highly productive week in Thailand at the 2024 EARCOS Leadership Conference.

We began by offering three well attended Pre-conferences- Self Study, Visiting Committee and Visiting Committee Chair trainings. In total 168 educators were able to avail themselves of this important WASC service. Our team is delighted by the messages of gratitude and the support we received. We look forward to additional training sessions at the upcoming EARCOS Teachers’ Conference and thank our participants for attending.

During the conference WASC was honored to have the opportunity to meet with so many of our member schools. It was an opportune occasion to touch base, offer support for our member schools’ ongoing improvement processes and to catch up with progress made.

WASC was also happy to support EARCOS’ commitment to developing women leaders by sponsoring the Women in Leadership Lunch. Dr Barry Groves, our President, introduced guest speaker Rose Puffer, Superintendent of the International School of Islamabad, who spoke eloquently on ‘Building Resilience Through Crisis Management”.

In addition, WASC held a well -attended Breakfast meeting during which Dr Groves sought input into WASC’s ongoing ‘Reimaging Accreditation’ project. Dr Greg Hedger, WASC Commissioner and Director of the International School of Yangon and Dr Margaret Alvarez, Vice President International Accreditation, ran a session on ‘Continuous School Improvement as Part of a School’s DNA’.

After the conference the team met for two days to work on projects aligned with WASC’s strategic plan. These projects aim to further enhance the service and resources we provide.

Looking forward to next year’s conference!

The WASC Summer Commission Meeting was held on June 24-25. Commissioners reviewed and took action on 582 actions. Initial accreditation was granted to 43 schools.

Commissioners who retired from the Commission this June include Danny Blas, Lee Duncan, Kristie Flohra, Andrew Rodriguez, and Katherine Thorossian. The departing Commissioners were thanked for their service on the Commission and presented with an engraved clock as a token of our appreciation during the Commission Meeting dinner.

The WASC Commission has recently added a number of new Commissioners.

• Dr. Caroline Cota (ACSA)

• Ms. Julie Cruz (CFT)

• Mr. Marty Fricke (CTA)

• Mr. Matt Hannan (ACSI)

• Dr. Christy Wood (NLSA)

• Dr. Ward Andrus (ACSA)

Our trainings for the school year are posted to the training calendar. Please log in to the School and Member Portals to register.

If you have any questions about upcoming trainings or registration, please contact internationaltraining@acswasc.org or Elissa Watters at ewatters@acswasc.org.

We would love to hear from you! Share your experience with WASC and be featured on our website and social media pages. Submit your testimonial in either video or written format. Please also include a photo of yourself and/or your school, if available.

Submit your testimonial here: https://forms.gle/Wozt2uLiXZkW5w5G6

Thank you!

For more on WASC accreditation, look for the book “Connecting the Dots of Accreditation: Leadership, Coherence, and Continuous Improvement” authored by Dr. Barry Groves and Dr. Marilyn George. It is available through WASC or on Amazon.