District Accreditation Work

Each District Accreditation Commission functions as an important NLSA authority. Each LCMS District that is actively engaged with NLSA will soon convene their end-of-year commission meetings  Every accreditation commission functions independently with differing roles and responsibilities related to their states and regional partners. At a minimum, NLSA has the following expectations regarding agenda content for District Accreditation Commission end-of-year meetings.

1.       Ensure that your list of accredited schools is accurately reflects the status of all schools involved with NLSA in any way (closed, lapsed, in process, revoked).

2.       Review all visitation team reports and prepare accreditation recommendations for the NAC for all candidate schools.  Districts may recommend provisional, in good standing and exemplary consideration by that National Accreditation Commission. They may also recommend that accreditation be denied. Ultimately the NAC is responsible for the status assignment or denial of all schools based on evidence provided by visiting teams and district accreditation commissions.

3.       Accept and Review all Cumulative Annual Reports from accredited schools. After review, communicate with schools from your district to commend and encourage continued work with SIP’s and deficiencies recommended in visitation team reports. Report to the NAC any schools that fail to submit Cumulative Annual Report forms.

4.       When applicable, review and ensure actions assigned to provisionally accredited schools from the previous year.  Report actions accomplished by provisional schools to the NAC. The NAC is responsible to receive information about provision schools from District Accreditation Commissions and reinstate to good standing schools that have taken appropriate actions.

5.       Prepare specific recommendations for the NAC and include them in the District Report to the National Accreditation Commission. Recommendations may address any items related to NLSA materials and procedures.

SAMPLE SIP GOALS

A Lutheran school can be significantly transformed as it implements goals related to the NLSA School Improvement Plan. I am often asked for samples of acceptable School Improvement Plan Goals. Below you will find a wide variety of acceptable SIP goals you may use as samples.

SAMPLES -  SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN GOALS

Strong mutual faith-based respect exists among students, teachers, and parents through the implementation of a school wide disciple plan.

The congregation maintains a vibrant and growing school.

The physical plant provides a safe, appealing and appropriate learning environment for students.

Strong partnerships exist between the school and families served by the school.

Public relationships programs, practices and procedures support school growth.

Healthy practices support students and staff wellness.

Constituent groups strive to maintain clear and effective lines of communication.

The school operates within a Christian educational community that embraces our families and our congregations as well as the whole of society around us.

The school operates with the financial resources to achieve excellence in Christian education.

Increase the visibility of the school with the target audience being families with children from birth through age 8.

The integration and use of technology tools is a natural part of the teaching – learning process.

The school is recognized by congregational members and the community as “

A Great Place

to Grow!”

The school provides resources to facilitate hands-on science experiences in science education.

Each of our constituencies recognizes Lutheran School (LS) as a Christian community of excellence where children are nourished both academically and spiritually.

The families, teachers and staff of LS recognize the multifaceted nature of their roles in Christian education; as mentors, as advocates, as educators, as role models, as ministers, as communicators, as peacemakers.

Lutheran school families, faculty and staff seek to put into practice what Jesus commanded us to do in requiring us to “treat your neighbor as yourself.”.

Physical facilities, safe adequate and appropriate for school programs are planned, financed, constructed and well maintained.

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SAMPLES OF STUDENT CENTERED SIP GOALS 

Every child achieves success through an engaging learning environment.

All students have an appreciation and understanding for a broad range of               lifelong activities.

Children benefit from parental and community involvement in the learning process.

Students with special needs benefit from a support system at the school and within the community.

Students exemplify the body of Christ in action.

Students become independent, life-long readers.

Technology is integrated into everyday learning and teaching experiences.

The school’s curriculum reflects the needs of today’s diverse student population.

Student learning is enhanced through an ongoing staff development plan.

A safe and productive learning environment enhances student learning.

Students demonstrate effective communication skills in all curricular areas through a balanced use of reading and writing

Students are engaged in differentiated learning activities that accommodate their interests, abilities and learning goals in mathematics and language arts.

Students benefit when school families practice outreach.

Students and staff are committed to ongoing spiritual growth.

Dealing with Deficiencies

I am frequently asked questions about schools cited with major deficiencies at the time of the team visit. Some of these deficiencies are MAJOR violations of health and safety issues but may be easily and quickly correctable.

Whenever possible, the school should act immediately (or in short order) to rectify a Major Deficiency. If the team correctly identifies something as a MAJOR DEFICIENCY and the school takes corrective action before the National Commission meets, a visiting team report may be amended to recognize that fact. Someone (DAC) must validate that the corrective action has taken place. Whenever that occurs a school may be able to avoid a provisional assignment.

NLSA encourages and recognizes schools that provide quality Christian education and engage in continuous improvement. Whenever the DAC or the National Commission is able to document improvement we are accomplishing our mission.

Provisionally Accredited Schools

A provisionally accredited school fails to comply with required standards or indicators of success and/or has been cited with significant Major Deficiencies.

Accredited schools must comply with all REQUIRED NLSA Standards and Indicators of Success.  When a visiting team validates that a school has not complied with a specific Required Standard or Indicator of Success, the national accreditation commission will consider their recommendation for provisional status.  In addition, if the visiting team identifies significant major deficiencies or finds that the school has not prepared required exhibits or documentation, it may recommend the assignment of provisional status with a recommended time frame to resolve the deficiency.

The visitation team notes their recommendation for the consideration of the assignment of Provisional Accreditation in its team report summary as part of its accreditation recommendation. It should include the team’s justifications for the provisional assignment and specific recommendations for remediation, including a suggested time frame for resolution. The assignment of the Provisional designation is ultimately the responsibility of the National Accreditation Commission.

Provisionally accredited schools are required to take corrective action identified by the National Accreditation Commission within the prescribed time frame or risk the revocation of their accreditation status. Provisional schools are ultimately accountable to their District Accreditation Commission (DAC) for actions related to their provisional assignment. The DAC must validate and document the school’s actions and report them to the National Accreditation Commission before a school will be reinstated in “Good Standing.”  The DAC should use the Provisional Accountability Report form and attach it to their annual report to the National Accreditation Commission.

I hope this provides some clarification regarding our process and how to go about reporting.

IMPORTANT SUMMARY FOR REPORTING TO NATIONAL OFFICE

In light of the fact that this year’s National Accreditation Commission meeting will take place on July 25 & 26, 21012, it is imperative that schools and districts adhere to the dates associated with required actions and documentation.

Here is the path reports should take upon leaving a school - summarizing the paragraphs that follow.

Cumulative Annual Reports: Schools may email or send hard copy to District Office by May 15 (District office will review, so information can be included in the District Annual Report.)  
Self-Study Reports:  Schools send one (1) copy to National office and whatever number the District Office requests to the District Office. 
Visiting Team Reports should be sent to the District Office.  Schools should check with their Districts to determine if they want paper copies and/or electronic.
District forwards 2 paper copies of Visiting Team Report to National office by June 15.
District Report - Send to National Office by June 15 - Electronically or paper.  
REQUIRED DOCUMENTAION FOR NLSA ACCREDITATION AND REPORTING
NLSA requires extensive documentation for its schools. Listed below is a description of the required documentation and the mandated format for submission to the appropriate district office and the national office in St. Louis.

Accreditation Application  
Schools interested in becoming accredited or re-accredited may receive NLSA applications from their district office or the national office. The school completes the application and submits two copies of the application with the required fees to the district office. District officials assist the school in choosing its process, suggest an accreditation consultant for the school and forward two hard copies of the completed application and national fee to the national office in St. Louis.

It is strongly suggested that accredited schools re-apply no later than the end of the 4^th year (for schools involved with the 5 year cycle) in their accreditation cycle. It is also important to note that an accredited school is required to pay one fee per year. In the year of its application, the application fee replaces the annual fee.

Self-Study Report (SSR)
Due in the national and district office one month in advance of the team visit. (Submitted by the school using mail or parcel service.)

The self-study Report (SSR) is the comprehensive report that provides evidence that the school has successfully completed its self-study process. One SSR report is prepared by an accredited school for every accreditation (five-year) cycle. The format for a self-study report is described in detail in the Administrator’s Manual located on the NLSA CD.

The national office requires the receipt of one SSR one month in advance of the team visit. It is the school’s responsibility to email or mail one copy of the report to the national office in St. Louis.
The school also sends to its district office the number of copies of the SSR requested by the district.

The SSR is a critical evaluative manuscript, used at all levels of accreditation (visiting team, district and national). It provides the written record of the school’s self-study process. 
  
  
Visiting Team Reports (VTR)

Schools submit the requested number of reports to its district by the date required. The district accreditation commission then submits to the National Office by June 15 using mail or parcel service.
The Visiting Team Report (VTR) is prepared by the Visiting Team and contains the team’s accreditation recommendation as well as commendations and concerns identified during the team’s visit to the school.
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Schools are no longer required to submit the VTR to the national office. Candidate schools should send the number of requested reports by the requested date, as stated by their district, directly to their district accreditation commission for review and recommendation.

District accreditation commissions are responsible to collect all visiting team reports and forward two paper copies of the VTR for each candidate school to the NLSA office in St. Louis. VTRs must be received at the national office by June 15.

Cumulative Annual Report Forms (CAR) Due every year on or before May 15 to the district office.  (Electronic filing required)

This report delineates the school’s progress toward addressing the concerns listed in the visiting team report (SB) or progress toward accomplishing goals associated with the School Improvement Plan (OI). The format for the CAR is described in the Administrator’s manual on the NLSA CD.

The District Accreditation Commission is responsible to read every school’s CAR and give feedback and encouragement regarding the school’s ongoing progress. 
 
Accredited schools should send their CAR, via e-mail or mail as requested by their district, to their District Office no later than May 15. The District Commission, after reviewing the cumulative annual report, includes their findings in the Annual District Report. 

Annual District Reports 
Due in the national office by June 15. Prepared by the District Accreditation Commission.

Each district accreditation commission is responsible to present an Annual Summary of Accreditation Activities.  Annual district reports may be filed electronically or sent in paper form to the national office by June 15.

LCMS Branding

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is in the midst of a rebranding effort that will better define who we are as a national church body and what we do.  Some of you have probably already noticed that the cross design is exactly the same but the color has been changed to blue. NLSA has received an exemption from this process. Therefore, for the time being, our NLSA logo will remain the same.

Making the Exemplary School Suggestion

I often receive questions about how a school would be suggested for exemplary consideration. Since the National Accreditation Commission nominates and selects exemplary schools, visiting teams and districts are able to suggest a school for exemplary consideration based upon evidence gathered at the time of the visit.  I hope that the information below helps clarify those criteria.

A suggestion for exemplary consideration begins with an assessment of the school’s degree of standard compliance. An exemplary school must demonstrate the achievement of at least 90% of the total of all sections for the indicators of success as Fully Met. If all of the indicators were Fully Met a school would accumulate 507 points. To achieve 90% of this goal, the school must accumulate 457 points. If the suggestion is made by a visiting team the district where the school is located must confirm that the school has achieved this goal before it will be considered for an exemplary nomination.

A second consideration is that the school is viewed as a “school of choice” by its community.  Enrollment at a “school of choice” reflects the fact that it is known and greatly respected in its community. (Near or at capacity in enrollment with very few empty seats.) This should be validated by the visiting team.

In addition, schools suggested for exemplary consideration must highly impress the visitation team with innovative practices that have greatly improved student learning or enhanced ministry opportunities. These “best practices” should be identified as replicable by other Lutheran schools by the visitation team.

If these three considerations are present at the school the suggestion will be considered by the National Accreditation Commission. Ultimately, the decision about exemplary status nomination and selection is reserved exclusively for the National Accreditation Commission. If a visitation team plans to suggest a school for exemplary consideration, the school should not advised of their suggestion at the time of the visit. Schools must conduct another application process after being nominated by the NAC and their nomination does not ensure their selection.

Managing the NLSA Process

NLSA Consultant, Captain, School Leader Training

I just spent a day with principals from the Iowa East, Iowa West, Nebraska Districts of the LCMS and NLSA Director Terry Schmidt. The Principals learned or reviewed how to Manage the NLSA Process as The Consultant, The Team Captain and the School Leader.   

The group or principals were also able to see the relationship and connectivity with Advance Ed as a 21^stcentury accreditation partner.  The concluding session focused on recognizing NLSA Exemplary schools and how the sharing of Best Practices helps Lutheran School to be even more effective.   

 Please be encouraged to schedule time in your District for Terry Schmidt to train and or renew school leaders on How To Manage the NLSA Process as a Team Captain, Consultant or School Leader.

Minnesotan NLSA

Here is something I just have to share with you....follow this link http://www.minnesotanlsa.org/index.html to the Minnesota South District Accreditation website. Clete Pfeiffer set this up several months ago but I have been so busy that I finally got around to looking at it today. WOW! Would this every be a great resource for every district and at the National level? I hope to have Clete talk about it at the National Commission meeting.

Remember to reserve the dates July 25, 26 for our commission meeting. Membership committee will met on Tuesday, July 24. We have many, many things to consider at this year's commission meeting. Looking forward to meeting with you.

Terrt

WASC - NLSA Integrated Self Study Document

Just completed working on the final phase of the development of the integrated self-study document for NLSA – WASC.  This project will result in a greatly improved accreditation process for school in California Lutheran schools seeking dual accreditation. The new document integrates the Lutheran faith component that motivates our schools to excel using research based standards and the excellent evaluative process that is associated with WASC. Kim Violette, Joel Wahlers, Kristi Flohra, Christy Wood and Rachel Klitzing have been faithful participants from the beginning to the end of this important project. These talented professional church workers understand and value the importance of self-assessment and goal setting associated with accreditation for our Lutheran schools. They have exceeded my expectations with their knowledge, energy and persistence. I thank God for their contributions and the way they passionately support our schools.

I will be sharing this document with the members of our national commission prior to our meeting in July. It requires the approval from the NAC. At that time Kim Violette and Joel Wahlers will be eager to answer your questions related to their work and the new integrated self-study document.

Reflections on my Visit to Hanoi

I just concluded a trip to Hanoi Vietnam. The trip purpose was to serve as a visitation team member for Concordia International School’s pre-accreditation process with WASC. I worked with the WASC’s Executive Director, Dr David Brown. It was my sincere pleasure to get to know Dr Brown personally and professionally. He is an enthusiastic proponent of using the accreditation process for school improvement. He is also a big baseball (Giants) fan and I enjoyed our conversation and musings about a subject of mutual interest.

Concordia International School in Hanoi is in its first year of operation with approximately 90 student grades PS – 7. They are located on three floors of an office building in a busy uptown location in Hanoi. They have significantly altered the business environment of the location and turned the place into a warm and welcoming school environment that looks and feels like a high performing school.

CISH has a credentialed and experienced team of administrators and teachers that are committed to providing a high quality of college preparatory education to the international community located in Hanoi. They are functioning in a communist country with the full blessing and support of the government. This provides many opportunities for witness and service by a largely Christian staff of dedicated teachers who share their love of Jesus through their actions and deeds first, and in word upon request by students and their families.

CISH is poised to grow and prosper in its role as a new and desirable international school of choice for expatriate families who are temporarily located in Hanoi. This new school will expand rapidly and eventually occupy a new and permanent location based upon the models already functioning with success in Shanghai and Hong Kong. It was a pleasure to visit a great new school that is poised for a fantastic future.

It was also a pleasure to work closely with WASC using their accreditation protocol. I grew in my knowledge and understanding of WASC expectations. Like NLSA, WASC is a highly engaging model for schools that requires self reflection, evaluation and goal setting. It has many similarities with the NLSA process. I am currently working with a task force in the construction of a joint accreditation document that will serve Lutheran schools seeking dual accreditation.  I have every reason to believe that our schools will be well served working with new process that ensures the Lutheran identity of our schools who are working with a WASC generated accreditation process.

This trip involved 64 hours of travel in airports and on airplanes traveling to and from Hanoi. I am deeply thankful to Bill Cochran for personally upgrading me to business class for the longest part of the flight. It made things bearable. The two legs of the flight in the economy section of Japan Airlines were the most difficult part of the trip. Four days of meeting people, observing, listening, learning, collaborating and writing made the challenge of travel well worth the effort. As with all accreditation visits, I took away far more than I left behind.  I look for great things from CISH in the future. In a short time I believe that their school will become the school of choice for expatriate families living in Hanoi. That will result in profound opportunities. I also eagerly anticipate a closer working relationship with WASC.

I will have much more to share about the trip and its ramifications at the National Commission meeting in July.

 2012-13 National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) Exemplary Schools

The National Lutheran Accreditation Commission recently selected seven Lutheran schools in the United States for special recognition as exemplary schools. These schools demonstrated compliance with accreditation criteria that exceeded expectations related to the educational and ministry standards that are required for accredited schools. In addition, each school demonstrated innovative leadership through the implementation of Best Practices related to the academic quality and spiritual development of its students.

The following schools were selected to receive the award during the 2012‐13 academic year:

·         Bethany Lutheran School, Parma, Ohio, Ken Boerger, Principal

·         Faith Lutheran Junior and Senior High School, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Steve Buuck, Chief Executive Officer

·         Hales Corners Lutheran School, Hales Corners, Wisconsin, Albert Amling, Principal

·         King of Glory Preschool and Kindergarten, Williamsburg, Virginia, Ruth McReynolds, Director

·         Loving Shepherd Early Learning Center, Golden Valley, Minnesota, Brenda Lovhaug, Director

·         Lutheran South Academy, Houston Texas, Sheila Psencik, Head of School

·         St Luke’s Lutheran School, Oviedo, Florida, Susan Hanas, Superintendent

With this honor comes additional responsibility. The leaders of these schools will now be required to share their “Best Practices” with other Lutheran schools. During the 2012‐13 school year, each exemplary school will prepare a print article and present webinar that are open to participation for all Lutheran schools. The sharing of Best Practices provides opportunities and ideas that have the potential to improve all of our schools.

National Lutheran School Accreditation, based in St Louis, Mo., encourages and recognizes schools that provide quality Christian education and engage in continuous improvement. NLSA accredits 655 Lutheran schools that have voluntarily chosen to submit to vigorous self‐study and evaluation. There are 2,382 Lutheran preschools, elementary schools and high schools in the United States.

For additional information contact NLSA Director, Mr. Terry Schmidt at terry.schmidt@lcms.org

AdvancED - NLSA Management

I have been given management rights for all of the Lutheran schools dually accredited  by AdvancED – NLSA. This includes any school that is jointly accredited with NLSA and SACS, NCA or AdvancED.

In my new role, I will work in the same capacity for our dually accredited schools as state agencies have functioned in the past. Therefore we no longer need to consult with individual state agencies regarding our dually accredited schools. It may still be beneficial forour Lutheran schools to maintain a relationship with their state agencies.

This should simplify many of the issues related to the way individual states conducted accreditation business in the localities.

Visitation Team Approval

Many accreditation visits will be conducted this Spring. I wish to remind you that visitation team membership must have my approval. It is as simple as sending an e-mail that includes the name of team members and the date and location of the visit. Thanks for ensuring that our candidate schools are following our simple rules.

Learned many things in my recent visit with AdvancED in Atlanta. Two pertinent items relating directly to our schools are:

1)      Open enrollment is still available for NLSA accredited schools through June, 2012. This applies to any school currently accredited in good status with NLSA. After June, 2012 all schools will need to apply and work their way through the AdvancED protocol as an individual school. 

2)      March 3 is the date for the rollout of the new AdvancED protocol including the integrated NLSA-AdvancED document. A Lutheran school who is not currently accredited by either organization but who is seeking dual accreditation now should apply directly through the AdvancED website. In addition they must complete an NLSA application, making note of their designation on the NLSA application. Those schools will use the new protocol.

NEWS ABOUT NLSA

Sitting in the airport in St Louis waiting for the flight to Atlanta where I will be meeting with our good friend, Dr. Eddie Krenson. I am eagerly anticipating the rollout of our new AdvancED – NLSA integrated accrediting document. This will be a huge upgrade in the way we are able to serve our schools needing dual accreditation. It will allow Lutheran schools to use a single, integrated accreditation protocol to receive dual accreditation in 30 states. In Atlanta I will receive training that will allow me to train others to serve on validation teams. I plan to offer portions of this new training for the first time, next week in Milwaukee.

Other exciting accrediting news…I have been invited to participate in the WASC team review of Concordia, Hanoi. I will be traveling to Hanoi march 6-11 to participate with the leaders of WASC in that joint accreditation project. If all goes as expected, Concordia will be a candidate to become our very first NLSA accredited school in Asia. Praise God for the progress that He continues to allow us to make in serving Lutheran schools with accreditation.

And finally, we are making progress in building our new joint accreditation document with WASC. A group of accreditation leaders from PSD and CNH Districts have been spearheading the effort and we continue to move forward. It is hope that the document can be completed and approved for use by the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.  Many thanks to Kim Violette for encouraging our ongoing progress with this important project.

Mission Accomplished!

NLSA Exemplary School provides us with an opportunity to link great ideas and replicable practices with Lutheran schools all around our synod. We have concluded our amazing visits to the candidate schools who will be considered for Exemplary status. Visiting 7 great schools over the course of the last three months has required a great deal of preparation, communication, and dedicated efforts on the part of the schools who were nominated and the individuals who served as validators.  I want to thank the schools who were nominated and visited this year. They demonstrated hospitality, school quality and a passion for serving children and families effectively.  These schools shown like bright stars during our visits. We were amazed by what we observed.

I also want to thank every validator who took time out of busy school schedules to participate as a team member. NLSA was well served by your efforts and I hope that you will be able to apply many of the things we learned from these great schools in your school.

Next year’s group of exemplary schools will be selected in an on-line meeting on February 15 by the NLSA District Accreditation Commissioners. The official announcement will be made during Lutheran Schools Week in March. With recognition comes the responsibility and our new group of Exemplary Schools will soon be busy preparing to share their Best Practices with others using webinars and print articles during the 2012-13 school year. I can’t wait!

Common Characteristics of Exemplary Schools

In the past three years we have visited a number of excellent Lutheran schools as we considered nomination for NLSA exemplary status. During these visits we have come to expect certain hallmarks that are present in every exemplary school. These characteristics include the following:

Exemplary Lutheran schools are well served by their excellent leaders. Great leaders have their handprint over the entire school. In an exemplary Lutheran school everyone knows the leader. They are known not only for their love for Jesus and their advocacy for children but also in their single minded commitment to making their school the very best it can be, in every area. They do not settle mediocrity or make excuses.  When mistakes have been made, they use them as a laboratory for continued improvement.

Exemplary school leaders are willing to do whatever it takes, even when it requires self-sacrifice. They understand that to excel in today’s competitive educational marketplace, they must be people-centered, 360 degree leaders who understand how to get things done in “this place.”  The leader has been empower to make decisions. In congregational based school ministries they are empowered and supported by the pastor. In association schools they are respected and publicly supported by association pastors for their effort and success.  There is no professional jealousy among the leaders of an exemplary Lutheran schools; just mutual support and collegiality.

In Lutheran schools, the front line produces the bottom line, therefore highly effective teachers are an essential component of exemplary schools.  All teachers are Christ-centered and driven by the clearly defined mission of the school. Communicating the love of Jesus to children and their families is the chief motivational factor for Lutheran school teachers, but exemplary school teachers are deeply committed to the academic success of every student in their classroom. Great teachers understand that every student learns differently. This means that they understand the need for differentiation that is critical to the success of all. Decisions made by teachers are always made with the best interest of students in mind, even when personal sacrifice is required to accomplish the goal.

Exemplary Lutheran schools are served by teachers bringing highly defined, specific individual talents. Every teacher is an expert and they bring varying aspects of expertise to a diversity of school programs. Parents respect and admire each teacher for the individual expertise they bring to the school. The school leader recognizes and values the unique talents of teachers. Individual accomplishments are recognized and rewarded because through accomplish, the school’s bar of excellence is raised. When one teacher is recognized for accomplishments everyone celebrates for success for one brings success to all.

Teacher collaboration is a hallmark of exemplary Lutheran schools. Ideas are shared freely and teachers learn from one another. The school leader builds time for professional collaboration and sharing. Faculty meetings become places where ideas are freely shared and school improvements are sought. If a school is selected as an NLSA Exemplary School its sharing responsibility expands beyond the walls of its own school into its greater community and among the Lutheran schools in our national network.

Exemplary Lutheran schools have raving fans. Parents whose children are challenged and well served by the school maintain a perception that the school has added value to their family. In reality a quality Lutheran school has always been an extension of the Christian family. Satisfied parents usually have a personal story about how the school has impacted their children. They are passionate about how the school as served them. As a result, they become enthusiastic and contagious salespeople for the school.

Today, parents become involved with Lutheran schools as a result of different motivations. Some seek safety and security. Others seek small class sizes, fair and consistent discipline or high academic standards. Fewer parents identify a Christian education as their primary reason for enrollment. Despite this fact, Lutheran schools are laboratories for the work of the Holy Spirit.  Exemplary Lutheran schools never stray from their mission of securing the eternal future of each child. Teachers are constantly reminding children about who Jesus is and what he has done for them. Lives are changed as a result of the power of the Gospel. Children and their families are led to be baptized. Faith formation and development are the primary goals of an Exemplary Lutheran schools.

NLSA exemplary schools do not fear change. They boldly consider change and innovation as good. Any change undertaken is carefully and collaboratively considered, supported and evaluated. Most of the changes made have positively impacted the school and successful change gains momentum for the next change.

These are the characteristics commonly displayed in exemplary accredited schools. Other Lutheran schools would be well served to pursue the traits that are described above in their quest for quality.

Coming in January

In has indeed been a great pleasure to visit four great schools in our quest to select the next group of NLSA Exemplary Schools. Congratulations to Bethany, Parma, OH, Hales Corners in Wisconsin, King of Glory Preschool in Williamsburg, VA, and Loving Shepherd ECC in Golden Valley, MN. These excellent schools all showed well during our validation visits and demonstrated evidence that Lutheran schools provide a great educational value and quality option for families.

Three school visits remain on the calendar. During the month of January we will visit St Luke’s in Oviedo, Florida, Faith Lutheran Junior and Senior High School in Las Vegas and Lutheran South Academy in Houston. As you can see we saved the schools located in warmer temperature zones for January.

The next class of NLSA Exemplary Schools will be chosen on February 15 and the announcement regarding their status will be shared during National Lutheran Schools Week.  We have been impressed and I am certain that you will also as you view their webinars next year that feature “Best Practices” of every school that is honored with selection.