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LACORDAIRE ACADEMY Inspiring Young Minds. Educating Tomorrows Leaders.
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Lacordaire Academy's Middle States Accreditation
Spring 2010 – Lacordaire Academy receives PK – 12 Middle States Accreditation In the Spring of 2010, Lacordaire Academy received accreditation from the Middle States Association. Though both divisions had been separately accredited in the past, our school is now Middle States Accredited for PK - 12, using the protocol Accreditation for Growth. Lacordaire Academy met all 12 standards required by the evaluation process. After a four day team visit, and months of preparation, Lacordaire Academy officially received Middle States Accreditation. As quoted by the visiting team chair, “In closing, I would like to end with words that were meaningful to the Validation Team as we heard them, “Our students are the HEART of Lacordaire Academy.” The Middle States Validation Team agrees with this statement and believes that the students’ hearts, minds and spirit are in exceptional hands.” About the Middle States Association:The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is a non-governmental, nonprofit, peer-administered organization of diverse educational institutions committed to the highest quality education for students. Its purpose is to ensure the continuous improvement of its member schools through effective leadership, self-study, peer evaluation, accreditation, exemplary programs, and supportive services. For more than 75 years, the Association has provided leadership in school improvement for its member schools in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, the subcontinent of Asia, and Africa.
Middle States Updates Lacordaire Academy faculty, staff, and students work each day towards meeting the goals set forth in our Middle States Objectives. The faculty connects regularly to review progress made in action plans, and work to move the program forward. Read on to learn more. Math and Science Objective: New math books have been ordered for grades 3 - 5 and a new science curriculum is set to be ordered for Grades 1 and 2, enhancing and updating the curriculum all around. Math clubs are soaring and students are learning new math games and how to work the stock market!Preparations have been made to participate in online competitions with other schools! The SD continues to find ways to improve standardized test scores, and is currently developing an SAT Math Prep Course. Teachers continue to enhance their curriculum with technology,aided by participation in professional development opportunities, engaging students in a fun and captivating way to learn. Going Green Objective: Fundraisers such as a student made 2011 calendar were implemented to raise awareness for endangered species and to help sponsor environmental awareness field trips. The Environmental Club in the SD is working on ways to create an outdoor learning center, while the ED is developing a proposal for students and parents to adopt a waste free lunch program. Both divisions continue to promote recycling and taking care of our planet. Religion Objective: The ED secured new Religion books for all grades to enhance scope and sequence throughout the grade levels. The addition of Sr. Patricia, hired to focus solely on instilling religious values, traditions, and foundations, continues to develop our Religious studies curriculum. Virtues of the Month are highlighted monthly in each class, culminating in a school wide made bulletin board. Writing Objective: A writing rubric has been constructed, and will soon be implemented into classes across the curriculum. SAT prep classes meet twice a week, focusing on improving grammar and writing skills. An intensified writing curriculum is developing student’s writing, research, and analytical skills.
Moving Forward As Lacordaire works to move our plans forward, there are continued steps that need to be taken so that the Middle States Association can ensure progress is being made and we are working to achieve our goals. Each year Action Plan Teams meet regularly to assess growth. Yearly reviews are written and reviewed to evaluate our advancement. At the beginning of the third year of the cycle, Lacordaire will submit a mid-point review, outlining our actions and achievements. By the sixth year, we will begin preparations for another team visit. What is Accreditation for Growth?
Accreditation for Growth (AFG) is an accreditation protocol that uses strategic planning as a vehicle for growth and improvement in student performance and in the institution’s capacity to effect that growth. ~ Establishes objectives for improving student performance ~ Promotes improving student performance based on visions for the future ~ Provides for a continuous review of programs, services, and student performance ~ Involves a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the improvement process
What are the values of Accreditation?~ Encourages and facilitates growth for improvement ~ Provides a systematic process that requires a school to validate its purpose, establish a vision of its future and to determine specific objectives for reaching that vision ~ Provides a means for public accountability and assures the community that its school meets rigorous and internationally recognized standards of educational quality ~ Provides opportunities for involvement in charting the direction of the school ~ Fosters closer school-wide and community collaboration ~ Builds commitment and a deeper understanding of the school’s efforts
With the AFG protocol, schools are asked to develop 2 – 4 objectives to highlight areas they would like to improve. Schools are then given 7 years to put Action Plans into place to aid them in reaching the goals they set forth through the objectives. Based on feedback from parents, students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration, the following objectives have been decided on to help students of Lacordaire Academy grow and improve. School-Wide Objective I: Math and Science By 2016, Lacordaire Academy students will demonstrate improved critical thinking and analytical skills in math and science. School-Wide Objective II: Green Initiative By 2016, Lacordaire Academy Students will demonstrate increased awareness and activism concerning environmental issues. Secondary Division Objective: Writing across the Curriculum By 2016, Lacordaire Academy Secondary Division students will demonstrate improved writing skills in all disciplines. Elementary Division Objective: Religious Studies By 2016, Lacordaire Academy Elementary Division will demonstrate an increased knowledge of Catholic faith and practices, Dominican heritage and traditions, Biblical studies and world religions. To help get involved in this process, please contact the Middle States Coordinators:Suzanne Bilicska sbilicska@lacordaire.netChristine Millar cmillar@lacordaire.net
______________________________________________________ Our Belief
We
believe that…
1) Our
faith in God, rooted in our Catholic Dominican tradition,
2)
Understanding,
appreciating and respecting diversity are critical components to the
development of a peaceful and vibrant society both
local and worldwide.
3) Each
member of the community has a responsibility to respect, preserve and
protect the environment.
4) Effective
education develops the whole person: spiritually, intellectually,
socially, emotionally, physically
and artistically.
5) Students
are entitled to a supportive, safe and nurturing
environment in which they can grow, learn and express themselves
confidently.
6) A
challenging curriculum develops the critical thinking and problem solving
skills necessary to make informed and ethical decisions.
7) A
school thrives as a result of the shared responsibility of the governing
authority, teachers, parents, and students.
8) Encouraging
life-long learning is essential for success in an increasingly complex and
ever-changing world.
9)
Each
member of the community possesses gifts and talents and the diversity of
these gifts is respected and cherished.
10)
Our
dedicated faculty prepares students for life as independent thinkers,
confident decisions makers and responsible leaders. ______________________________________________________ Profile of a Lacordaire Academy Graduate
A Lacordaire Academy graduate will be a person of faith who will seek academic excellence and demonstrate the strength of character to fulfill his or her own potential. A Lacordaire Academy graduate will strive in…
Faith v To see God’s presence in the world, themselves and each other v To live a faith centered and prayerful life v To have knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith v To have knowledge and respect of other faiths and cultures v To make ethical and moral decisions
Academics v To demonstrate problem solving v To think creatively and critically v To write and speak effectively v To have a passion for life long learning v To possess a strong foundation in a liberal arts based core curriculum
Character v To distinguish right from wrong and possess the courage to take appropriate action v To show compassion and support to those in need v To act with integrity, honesty and justice v To be confident leaders who can adapt to new experiences and take calculated risks v To pursue personal goals, posses a sense of humor and enjoy life
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