NEW: Providence High School Earns Accrediation
Monday, December 12, 2011
Superintendent Susan F. Lusi and Central High School Principal John Hunt formally announced today that Central has achieved initial accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The accreditation, which is valid for 10 years, requires a rigorous self-study process and multi-day site visit. All told, the process takes about three years and involves hundreds of individuals – students, parents, community partners, administrators, teachers, and other building staff, both instructional and in support roles.
“The benefit of this accreditation comes not only from the external stamp of approval by NEASC,” said Lusi, “but more importantly, it signifies that the school has taken a deep look at its own practices in an honest and reflective way. The rigor of the self-study process can yield some tremendous insights for those who participate, and these insights ultimately benefit the school community and its continuous improvement.”
Mayor Angel Taveras sent along his congratulations to the Central leadership, staff and students. “NEASC accreditation is a credential recognized and respected regionally and nationally in K-12 and higher education,” said Taveras, “and NEASC has highlighted numerous areas to be commended at Central. This is a true credit to the entire Central High School community to have earned this distinction.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCentral began preparation for its accreditation in the 2008-09 school year by examining rubrics and other artifacts in an informal start to the reflective process. The school’s staff then undertook a deep self-study from September 2009 through December 2010, submitting a full report to NEASC shortly after. A visiting team of 16 evaluators then spent several days in March 2011 at the school, walking the halls, shadowing students, observing classes, examining student work, holding group meetings and interviewing dozens of staff, students, parents and community members.
