WHY WE ARE ACCREDITED

In my travels associated with my role as National Director for NLSA I have the opportunity to speak with many people about how accreditation impacts Lutheran schools. We know that NLSA is a rigorous project and that can be especially challenging for smaller schools with limited resources. Despite that fact many small Lutheran high schools, elementary schools and preschools maintain an accredited status with NLSA.

Conversations with school leaders of accredited schools reveal consistent reasons why they have chosen to become and remain accredited.

“We want our school/center to improve” is the most the most common response. It is a fact that every school involved with NLSA improves as a result of its efforts. Self study involves evaluation and evaluation leads to action. School improvement is the result of intentional actions based on what we have learned through the self study process. School improvement and NLSA go together and bread and butter or salt and pepper. You can’t have one without the other.

A second response that is commonly cited as a reason for accreditation is “School constituents want our school/center to be accredited.”  School board members and parents take note when a school successfully completes its accreditation process. Smaller Lutheran schools and early childhood centers benefit from being recognized for the quality of their programs. Many District Education Executives recognize the benefits of NLSA and support the involvement of schools in their districts.

Without any doubt, the school administrator is the most powerful force in determining whether or not a school/center completes an NLSA process. The school board, faculty members and parents are also important influences but the school leader plays the most important role from beginning to end with an accreditation process.

There are many reasons cited for becoming accredited.

“NLSA holds us accountable to national standards.”

“The process allows us to establish and follow short and long term goals.”

“NLSA is a great way to promote our school.”

“The involvement of teachers, staff, parents, board members and pastors in our process was invaluable.”

NLSA is designed specifically for LCMS Lutheran schools. To receive more information about this process contact Terry.Schmidt@lcms.org

The Ministry of Lutheran Teachers

Visiting Exemplary School candidates is such a pleasure. So far this year three schools have been visited; Loving Shepherd Early Childhood Center, Golden Valley, MN, Hales Corners Lutheran School in Wisconsin and Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, Ohio. Our teams have observed some amazing practices at these schools that have resulted in improved student performance, enhanced ministry opportunity and (or) growth and development of the whole child. Every person involved with these visits has learned much from the practices of these excellent schools.

One of my favorite parts of exemplary school validation visits is the interviews that we conduct with fans of the schools and community members. Every person has a story. Each story is a testimony about how the school has added value to their family or the community. We keep a handy supply of Kleenex present during these interviews because often, the school has deeply touched the lives of those who share their stories.

Lutheran teachers are always at the center of the stories that demonstrate how lives have been changed in their school. These are the teachers who go far beyond what is normally expected… Lutheran teachers who challenge their students in unique ways to learn and grow…Lutheran teachers who share compassion and care with students in need…Lutheran teachers who tell children and their families about our miraculous Savior, Jesus.

It’s a pleasure to visit these great Lutheran schools. But this is the business of every Lutheran school. To go beyond what’s expected….to excite student about learning…. to wipe a tear, share a prayer and pronounce forgiveness and most importantly to point people to Jesus.

Incredible things are happening in every Lutheran school. Wouldn’t it be great if we had the opportunity every day to hear from our fan base?  Still, it is our privilege to serve our God by sowing the seeds of His word without knowledge of the harvest.  We who serve, look forward to the day when we will be united with the children we taught at the feet of Jesus in Heaven. What a privilege to serve our Lord with ministry and education in Lutheran schools.