Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
and
Model Secondary School for the Deaf
A c c r e d i t a t i o n   f o r   G r o w t h

What is AFG?

KDES/MSSD are accredited through Middle-States Association (MSA) and the Council of Education Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD). In 2001, we began the process of applying for re-accreditation through both organizations. The process we are using is called Accreditation for Growth (AFG).

AFG is a strategic planning process that focuses on student growth through an ongoing review of programs and services. AFG was selected as the accreditation approach because it focuses on student growth and performance. We base our accreditation work on OUR preferred future for KDES/MSSD by setting specific growth goals for students. AFG also involves people from all aspects of the KDES/MSSD community. AFG is guided by a planning committee comprised of members from all KDES/MSSD stakeholder groups, guides the AFG process.

AFG is comprised of several phases:

• Mission and Beliefs - The Mission and Belief statements tell the world what kind of an organization KDES/MSSD is and what makes us unique. They guide us in making decisions about our direction and use of resources, and they help us select student growth objectives. The Mission and Belief statements were finalized in October and can be seen on posters throughout the Clerc Center. An ASL version of the Mission and Belief statements is under development.
• MSA Standards Survey - Last winter, every member of the Clerc Center community had an opportunity to offer feedback on 12 areas MSA has identified as essential for all schools. The survey provides us important data about to enhance our programs and services. Teachers and staff members reviewed the data in October. Look for a summary of their observations coming soon.
• Student Growth Objectives and Action Plans - The focus of AFG is on student growth. This is measured by the creation of and progress toward achieving Student Growth Objectives (SGOs). SGOs are specific five-year growth goals for students.


We have two SGOs: 1) Reading/Writing and 2) Emotional Intelligence.

To achieve the SGOs, we develop action plans. The action plans are in their final phases of development. Once developed, they will serve as an important guide for programs and services. You can read the most recent version on this web-site.


• Site Visit - The last phase of accreditation is the Validation Team visit. Our site visit takes place December 10th - 12th. During these three days, member of our accreditation team will review our AFG work and will meet with many of us to learn more about our schools. At the end of their visit, the team will share their accreditation recommendations.