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Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
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DATE: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Concept of Seeking District Accreditation for All Hillsborough County Public Schools Through the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Currently our high schools are accredited through SACS. To date, elementary and middle schools have not been involved in an accreditation process in Hillsborough County. The Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI) has recently developed a District Accreditation process. The Accreditation Standards for Quality Schools are aligned with current educational research and best practices that directly contribute to student achievement. The SACS CASI District Accreditation protocol is recognized across the United States and around the world. Earning the level of District Accreditation demonstrates that a school district is embracing the improvement of student learning as a systemic process across all schools (elementary, middle and high school). The accreditation process shows that the district’s framework for continuous improvement is consistent and unified both horizontally and vertically, across all schools, with each school’s improvement goals supporting the district goals.
The Office of School Improvement and Accountability will assume the responsibility for conducting, organizing, and writing the Self-Study in collaboration with all divisions. Individual schools sites will not have to prepare individual reports. The individual schools’ responsibilities include maintaining the SACS CASI standards, maintaining their individual School Improvement Plan, and working with the district as requested in maintaining the district’s quality assurance.
Currently there is only one other large district in Florida, Broward, that has reached District Accreditation status. In addition, one of our neighboring districts, Pasco, has obtained district accreditation. Thirteen other school districts in the state have obtained the accreditation and sixteen additional districts are in the process of preparing for a district-wide Quality Assurance Review.
The attached document indicates the benefits and steps for earning this District Accreditation status.
ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)
All District Goals and Critical Success Factors
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)
Monies currently identified for SACS accreditation will be diverted to the District accreditation. The final funding identification will be provided to the Board when submitted for approval. Initial estimates may be an increase between $20,000 - $30,000. However, the distict will recognize a cost savings in the reduction of time spent by school sites and district personnel preparing self-study accreditation documents and visitations.
EVALUATION
The Office of School Improvement and Accountability will engage in a Self-Study to prepare for a Quality Assurance Review for all school sites. The Self-Study asks the district to: a) demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards, b) identify and illustrate one continuous improvement initiative across the district, and c) describe the methods used to provide for monitoring and quality assurance. Upon completion of the district Self Study (18-36 months) the SACS CASI Review Team visits the district to conduct a Quality Assurance Review to verify the components recorded in the Self-Study and make recommendation for District Accreditation.
SUBMITTED BY:
Barbara B. Hancock, General Director, Elementary Education
Josie Sanders, General Director, Middle School Education
David J. Steele, Ph.D., General Director, Secondary Education
Dennis Holt, Supervisor, Secondary Social Studies and Driver Education
Debbie Rodgers, Ed.D.
Administrator on Special Assignment for School Improvement and Accountability
(813) 272-4224
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Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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1.11
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070529_244 * Section E Item# 1.11
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