By Ayla Ozturk
Accrediting Commission of Schools [ACS] Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] accreditation is a cycle in which a school is evaluated to ensure the validity of students’ credits and transcripts. Redwood High School is in its last year of the cycle.
Redwood High School recently submitted a self-study to the WASC accreditation committee.
A self-study is done by a select group of teachers, administrators, and other staff to evaluate the school’s progress on the “action plan” created with the previous report.
Redwood’s recent study reflected on the progress made toward the goals created in 2017.
After a school submits the study, a visiting committee comes to campus to tour classrooms and evaluate the school’s programs.
According to Dr. Amanda Richard, Redwood High School Principal, the committee will visit Redwood High School from March 20 to March 22.
The committee will talk to students, staff, and teachers to identify areas where Redwood is doing well and where the school may need to improve.
In addition to evaluating academics, the WASC committee looks at school culture and climate.
“[The committee will] also get to experience Mr. Ranger week,” Dr. Richard says.
Mr, and the recent addition of Mrs, Ranger Week is a large part of Redwood’s culture and one of many traditions.
They put together a report of their findings and created a new action plan as well.
“Based on what we’ve found, we’ve created plans on how we feel we can accomplish our goals over the next three years,” Dr. Richard says.
The committee uses its evaluation and self-study to recommend accreditation status.
A school can be accredited for up to seven years with various conditions, such as visits, mid-cycle reviews, and similar processes.
Redwood was last accredited in 2017, meaning the school currently has a six-year term.
See Redwood’s accreditation history below:
In the spring of 2005, Redwood High School received a six-year term with a mid-term review.
In the spring of 2011, Redwood received a three-year term with a two-day midterm review.
During the mid-term review in 2014, progress was noted in all areas of the action plan, and Redwood’s term of accreditation was extended three additional years to June 2017.
In 2017, Redwood was granted a six-year term with a mid-cycle review.
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
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