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TLC
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Accreditation Update
June 10, 2009 at Framingham Campus: Staff In Service Meeting on Accreditation
- Upcoming Events:
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) team will visit on March 8 - 11, 2010
- Announcements:
February 22, 2010: The Learning Center for the Deaf was recently awarded accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and Conference of Educational Aministrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD).
February 5, 2010: Because TLC is a private school that serves publicly funded students, we are under the oversight of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This agency issues an approval to TLC after careful review and examination of our school's compliance with state and federal regulations, especially those key areas that deal with Special Education.
In order to maintain the approval of this agency, TLC participates in a full cycle review every six years. Federal and state regulatory requirements in special education are extensive, and therefore DESE will send a team of 3 reviewers to both campuses to observe classroom and curriculum in action, review school policies, interview faculty and staff, and examine student and personnel files. Unlike accreditation, which is voluntary, this comprehensive approval process is required so that cities and towns may have assurances when sending students to TLC for an appropriate education that the school complies with all laws and regulations.
We look forward to welcoming the DESE review team to our schools on March 8th. This team, led by Kerri Zeldis, will also make themselves available to parents and guardians who may wish to be interviewed. Parents and guardians recently received a letter from Mike Bello describing this review process and asking them to participate in the interview and information sharing process. Click on this link to see that DESE letter.
January 12, 2010: We look forward to working with the COA peer reviewers in February; Linda Ansell (team leader) from Illinois and Diane King from Florida.
December 18, 2009: We should know our final accreditation status in the middle of Februrary.
November 1, 2009: On behalf of TLC's community, we welcome the accreditation team to our campus and look forward to working with them:
Bob Broudo, Landmark School (NEASC)
Ed Peltier, American School for the Deaf (CEASD)
Ed Bosso, Clerc Center - Gallaudet University (CEASD)
Claire Bugen, Texas School for the Deaf (CEASD)
Catherine Cetts, Cape Cod Academy (NEASC)
William Cossaboon, Crotched Mountain School (NEASC)
Robert Felt, Hyde School (NEASC)
Lisa Green, Scared Heart Elementary School (NEASC)
Adrienne Morris, Lincoln School (NEASC)
Ron Stern, New Mexico School for the Deaf (CEASD)
Diane Weinholtz, Watkinson School (NEASC)
Alice Stern, The Winsor School (NEASC)
- Accreditation … A Chance to Reflect
TLC has embarked on a significant two-year journey
towards accreditation.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary process undertaken by schools or organizations that are committed to excellence and continuous improvement. Accreditation engages the entire school community in a process of self-evaluation, reflection, and planning. It invites external scrutiny and welcomes the constructive feedback of peers.
Although receiving full accreditation serves as an indicator of high standards and quality, the primary goal of this intensive process is school self-improvement. The journey toward accreditation offers many opportunities to learn and to try new things on behalf of our students. TLC understands that change and growth are essential qualities required to remain a strong and effective school community.
To help us do this, TLC is seeking three distinct and respected accreditations. One is awarded by CEASD (specifically designed for schools for the deaf), another is awarded by NEASC (New England Association Of Schools And Colleges) and the third is an international accreditation granted through COA (designed for non-profit service organizations).
To learn more about each of these prestigious organizations, click on the links provided.
This intensive self-improvement process generally includes three major activities:
- An in-depth study or self-evaluation conducted by as many school staff,
parents, and students as possible. This usually leads to an action plan for further progress and improvement.
- On- site observations by a visiting committee of education and human service professionals who must validate the school’s activities and outcomes.
- Written evidence and data that demonstrates that the school is meeting national standards established for similar organizations.
- Surveys:
The Outreach Partnership Program (TOPP) Survey - Completed
Parent Infant Program (PIP) Survey - Completed
TLC Staff Day Care Center Survey - Completed
TLC Staff Survey - Completed
LEA Survey - Completed, view the result report
Walden School Agency Survey - Completed
Board Survey - Completed
Annual Parent Survey 2008 - Completed
Student Survey - Completed
COA Survey - Completed
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