Since 2010 WIS has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. With the motto “Improving Schools. Empowering Students. Promoting Excellence” an accreditation by NEASC falls right into the philosophy and values that WIS holds for education.
What does it mean to be accredited by an international agency like NEASC?
Schools that go through the rigorous accreditation process with an international agency like NEASC, are able to review their standing with regards to international education. With the accreditation process, we can establish where we are in relation to international standards of high quality education and what we need to focus on to become even better. Having the stamp of approval - being accredited - means that we are internationally recognised and can issue certain documents that are internationally accepted by universities and schools around the world. Our WIS High School Diploma is a qualification we can issue as a school leaving certification that is accepted by certain universities in the US, Canada and in some other countries and universities in the world.
How does it work?
An accreditation cycle lasts for 5 years. After 5 years, schools start the re-accreditation process. The process starts with a preparatory visit that establishes whether we are ready to begin the accreditation process. Since we are already accredited, this process is a little easier to get through, although the report and visit are the same as for all schools who get accredited. After this initial preparatory visit, the school will embark on an Internal Reflection of about 12-14 months. During this time, the school reflects on the 10 ACE Learning Principles that look into the impact our approaches have on student learning.
For this initial Preparatory Visit, which will happen from the 10th to the 14th of March 2025, WIS has to prepare two reports. An Abbreviated Foundations Report and a Preparatory Report. The Foundations Report looks at fundamental matters in the school that need to be in place for the school to function - finances, health and safety, the learning environment and the organisational structure. The Prep Report looks at three Learning Principles (there are 10 overall):
Learning Principle 3: Evidence of Learning
Learning Principle 5: Learner Engagement and Autonomy
Learning Principle 9: Learning Space and Time
In the preparatory phase of the report, we also look at our Definition of Learning and if we want to review or adjust it.
WIS Definition of Learning
Learning at WIS is a journey of inquiring, discovering, and experimenting while developing understanding and acquiring new knowledge, skills and concepts. In the process, the learner constructs meaning by making connections and applying these in daily life situations. The learner realises individual potential through continued reflection and exploration. The learning environment is multi-sensory, collaborative, and enjoyable and encourages international-mindedness.
We have already established that the initial Definition of Learning that was created in 2020 is due to be reviewed. It is long and a lot of things have changed in education. We will therefore embark on an extensive process, involving all school stakeholders, students, parents, teachers and administrators, to review this definition and shape it into a new Shared Understanding of High-Quality Learning.
Finally, the accreditation process is an inclusive process that involves all members of the school community - students, parents, teachers, administrators and administration staff. Please look out for requests to join meetings with the visiting team or one of our committees that look at our schools 10 Learning Principles.
I will continue to update the community on the process and progress we are making. WIS is confident that we will benefit from this process and be re-accredited in about 18 months time.
Maggie Reiff
High School Principal
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