Guidelines for Schools Hosting Virtual International Visits Full, Mid-Cycle, Pre-Initial Visit, Initial (Probationary and Substantive Changes, Upon Approval)
Introduction Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the challenging times, the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), will be conducting virtual visits during the fall months (September – December); this may need to be extended. These include full, mid-cycle, probationary, pre-initial visit and initial visits, and potentially substantive changes and probationary changes upon WASC approval. The expectations for all virtual visits are the following: • •
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Every care must be taken to ensure that the process and result will be as rigorous and thorough as an on-site visit. Based on the WASC research-based criteria/indicators, the virtual visit focuses on the school’s continuous improvement and progress related to high quality learning and wellbeing for all students, preparing them to be globally competent. Video, audio and connectivity quality must be sufficient to allow for good communication – both recorded and live.
WASC international staff members will be available to work closely with the schools and the visiting committee chair/members of these visits. WASC is providing guidelines for the schools and chairs through personal communication, webinars and regularly scheduled “virtual office hours” to answer any questions. The visits will follow the expectations for an in-person visit; these include: previsit work of the chair with the school, including establishing the virtual schedule; previsit work with the visiting committee member(s); and the requirements for the type of visit such as meeting daily with the leadership team, all focus groups, parents, students, other staff members, and governing board/ownership; observing a stratified sample of classes, and dialogue with corporate leadership, if applicable. School Expectations for Visits Although the postponed schools were not required to update their reports, the school will be expected to share what has been done since the report was completed with supporting International Virtual Visit Guidelines
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