The Clerc Center
Connection

CONGRATULATIONS TO AFG!!!

Validation Team will Recommend CEASD/MSA Accreditation for KDES and MSSD

By Sue Jacoby

For three very intense days, the AFG Validation Team met with every stakeholder group in the KDES/MSSD community. They learned about our AFG process and KDES and MSSD programs and services from teachers, staff members, students, family members, and administrators. They explored the schools' unique role as federally mandated schools with a national mission to develop, evaluate, and disseminate effective curricula, materials and instructional techniques and to work collaboratively with other schools and programs.

At the end of the site visit, Dr. Claire Bugen, chair of the Validation Team, gave a 45-minute summary of their findings and expressed their intention of recommending CEASD/MSA Accreditation for KDES and MSSD . A detailed, written report is coming and everyone will have a chance to read the Validation Team's feedback, comments, and suggestions.

The Validation Team was impressed with KDES and MSSD's programs and services. A few highlights of Dr. Bugen's remarks are as follows:

• The greatest asset of the schools was the talented and committed teachers and staff members. It was evident to the committee how very hard the teachers and staff work every day.
  
• KDES and MSSD's genuine commitment to their students is impressive.
  
• Respect for all aspects of diversity is remarkable. This is not typical of many schools.
  
• Belief in and dedication to team-based thematic instruction is commendable. There are challenges with this approach to teaching and learning but KDES and MSSD are applauded for their on-going efforts in facing these challenges.
  
• The Clerc Center's AFG process is forward thinking, inclusive, and well done.
  
• The choice of Reading/Writing and EQ as Student Growth Objective areas is also commendable. The Clerc Center's work on EQ could serve as a model for schools not yet familiar with this concept.

The Validation Team also identified areas that needed attention and offered feedback and suggestions. These areas include communication, shared-decision making, greater involvement in and understanding of the budgeting process, greater focus on ASL as a part of literacy, and support for the lead teachers. The Validation Team believes the Clerc Center can accomplish its goals.

The team truly enjoyed their experience at the Clerc Center. They found the schools a welcoming place and enjoyed meeting teachers, staff members, and students. The MSA team members had never been in a deaf environment before. They had a powerful and intensive introduction to deaf education. Each of them commented how much they learned about deaf education. They appreciated learning about deaf people and deaf culture.

The Validation Team, however, does not make the final decision about accreditation. It is up to the MSA and CEASD accrediting bodies to grant formal accreditation. This accreditation is normally given in the late winter or early spring. We have every expectation that MSA and CEASD will follow the Validation Team's recommendation.

The site visit is over, the AFG celebration is forthcoming, and our commitment to student growth and performance continue. If you see planning Committee members, please thank them for their efforts- they made AFG happen.

We have challenging and realistic goals, clear and supported action plans, and a dedicated community of professionals, families, and students. The goals and action plans will be implemented in an environment that has a federal mandate for development, evaluation and dissemination. The student goals for reading/writing and EQ are supported by the Clerc Center's priority areas of family involvement and transition. (EQ is a part of the transition priority.) We all know what we need to do…we each have an important role to play. We can do this!

AFG doesn't stop here…it has really just begun…

We thank each of you for your willingness to share with the Validation Team, for your support of and participation in the AFG process, and for your daily commitment to KDES, MSSD, and the Clerc Center.

This couldn't have
happened without
YOU!