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.