Saint Brendan Parish School Process for Accreditation 2002-2004
Saint Brendan Parish School’s first
participation in a formal accreditation process is the WCEA/NASCU Process for
School Improvement for Catholic Elementary Schools during the 2002-2003
academic year.
During the fall of the 2002 school
year, Stakeholder invitations were sent to parish members, current parents,
former parents, and alumni for the purpose of developing Student Learning
Expectations. It was wonderful to see so many past school parents and students
who continue to be supportive and appreciative of our school. Student Learning
Expectations are what the students should understand and be able to communicate
when they graduate. These expectations flow from the school mission and
philosophy statements.
Dr. Karen
Mathews, Accreditation Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Seattle, presided over
the round table discussion at the Stakeholders gathering. Participants were
asked to express their positive ideas about the hopes and dreams for the
graduates of Saint Brendan Parish School. The stakeholders enthusiastically
developed collective lists of graduate expectations. The wisdom that was shared
among the participants was impressive.
From the Stakeholders’ lists, the
Accreditation Leadership Team compiled the information and presented it at a
staff meeting. Our staff then ranked each item, narrowed the list, and reached
consensus on the most important qualities for a graduating student. The final
draft was presented to the School Commission and approved in November 2002. In
collaboration with the school community, the staff compiled a clear, balanced,
measurable document that reflects the graduate expectations for Saint Brendan
Parish school students.
Copies of our Student Learning
Expectations are present throughout the school.
Student
Learning Expectations
A
Saint Brendan Parish School graduate is:
U
Demonstrates
a knowledge of the history and traditions of the Catholic faith
U
Develops
and seeks an ongoing relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and
liturgical celebrations
U
Develops
positive self-esteem in thought, word, and action
U
Lives
the gospel values by expressing care and concern for one another with dignity
and respect
U
Demonstrates
his/her faith through outreach service to those in need within the church,
school, and wider community
U
Applies
Christian values to everyday situations.
U
Makes
responsible choices in light of the Gospel and Catholic social teachings
U
Understands
the privileges and responsibilities of leadership within the school, parish, and
larger community
U
Recognizes
the importance of and participates in stewardship
U
Understands
and appreciates diversity
U
Approaches
conflict with peacemaking skills: empathy, impulse control, and anger
management.
U
Develops and uses critical
thinking skills
U
Demonstrates competent study,
research, problem-solving, and organizational skills
U
Demonstrates effective use of
technology skills
U
Establishes personal academic
goals and strives to attain them
U
Appreciates and participates
in the opportunities for life-long learning
U
Demonstrates the ability to
work independently and collaboratively.
U
Develops
confidence in public speaking and written work
U
Works
collaboratively and cooperatively as part of a team and is able to accept and
offer constructive criticism
U
Understands
and uses the writing process (pre-write, revise, edit, publish)
U
Uses
listening and observation skills to gain understanding
U
Communicates
ideas clearly and effectively in oral and written form.