Every six years, educational establishments go through a school accreditation process. Without this accreditation process, the state of California would not recognize diplomas given out by such institutions. Several committee members of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) are here to follow up on the last assessment in 2018. At the end of every evaluation, WASC gives schools and colleges a list of their strong points, as well as areas for improvement.
WASC members have enjoyed the atmosphere and spirit on campus. From being welcomed by staff and students, committee members were overwhelmed with refreshments and hospitality. WASC member and Yorba Linda High School Assistant Principal Erica Kadhom expressed her merriment about her time so far.
“We have learned so much from the staff, administration; the students especially have really done a fantastic job showing us what it means to be a West Covina Bulldog,” said Kadhom.
Shauna Cohen, a math teacher at Temescal Canyon High School, explained the accreditation process as a way to take ideas from schools and use them as a good way to benefit her school when she returns.
“My principal was like, go and find awesome things to kind of bring back,” said Cohen.
Administration and staff have been making preparations for WASC members upon their arrival. WASC coordinator and math teacher Vickie Mach, oversaw school personnel in various focus groups, such as curriculum and school culture, that are designed to respond to certain questions from WASC committee members.
“It is really just so we self-reflect to see what we have been doing well and what we can identify as areas of growth for this school,” said Mach.
As the WASC visiting committee finishes their assessment today, a final report will be presented to administrators and staff, who will take these results and use them as a way to work through any given critiques and maintain the strong points of the campus and Bulldog pride.
