Citing Progress, AdvancED Raises WCPSS's Accreditation Status
Jan. 26, 2012 - The accreditation agency AdvancED has determined that the Wake County Public School System and Wake County Board of Education have "demonstrated significant improvement" in the governance and climate of the school system, and has upgraded its accreditation status for the school year.
| AdvancED Monitoring Visit Report (received Jan. 26) |
WCPSS's accreditation status has improved to "accredited on advisement," from "accredited warned," which maintains the accreditation status of its high schools for the remainder of the school year.
"Good governance is exceptionally important and it is clear we are making progress," said Keith Sutton, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Education. "While we still have some work to do, I am proud of the board and our staff."
In a report received on Jan. 26, AdvancED found that the school system had completed five of the seven required actions and was in progress on the remaining two. The report concluded that the "climate of the school system has improved dramatically" while encouraging school system leadership to continue completing and implementing its Strategic Plan, and provide necessary professional learning "as it relates to strategic planning, the Student Assignment Plan, and board roles and responsibilities."
The report continues: "Overall, stakeholders share a greater sense of confidence in the school system, however, the Board must continue to be transparent, engage stakeholders, and focus on student achievement to build trust within its community."
"As the report states, we take the required actions seriously and we are happy to report that our high school graduates' diplomas remain in good standing," said Superintendent Tony Tata. "We will continue to focus on student achievement and work toward good governance that inspires confidence in all stakeholders."
AdvancED has asked for an Institution Progress Report on its remaining required actions by Nov. 1, 2012. The agency visited WCPSS in late Nov. after reviewing the school system's progress documentation and related material.