WASC evaluation brings commendations and suggestions

Before spring break, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), sent a committee of California educators to visit CVHS to finish this cycle’s evaluation period. After an intensive week of room monitoring, data gathering, and viewing presentations from staff and students alike, the WASC committee released its final presentation, which includes findings and suggestions that our school administrators will take into account as they create new long-term goals for the future.

Most celebrated by the visiting committee was the broad variety of programs, classes, and communication offered here at CVHS.

Unsurprisingly, the Wellness Center, Health Clinic, and SEL-based Trojan Time were at the forefront for commendation for the emotional and mental health education they provide.

Freshman Jennifer Wang, a member of the WASC student panel that spoke with the committee educators, was one of many who cited these programs as school strengths.

“I believe that Trojan Time is helpful and CVHS has a strong student support system in the wellness center and the health clinic,” Wang said.

Also positively recognized was CVHS’ increased accessibility to higher level courses with the removal of barriers and prerequisites.

Principal Chris Fortenberry’s monthly newsletters to parents and students, along with staff specific communication methods, were recognized as examples of organized leadership.

One of the biggest areas that the WASC committee reviewed was our school’s “Learning and Teaching” methods and resources. Standards based grading took the spotlight, as it was celebrated for “positively impacting student learning by enhancing transparency and reducing bias in grading practices.” 

“I prefer the standards based grading because it allows students to understand a topic really well. Standard based grading breaks down large learning objectives into smaller ones,” Wang added.

The committee noted that by having students work towards demonstrating mastery in the classroom, our school boasts a strong equitable learning environment.

Areas for focus moving forward were included in the final presentation as well, and committee educators emphasized that standards based grading needs more consistency across CVHS curriculum.

Additional focus points included having Trojan Time SEL lessons be more student led and be planned with direct student input. Common student complaints were addressed as well, including a call on staff to maintain safe and clean bathrooms for all.

“It was nice having the committee confirm what the school already identified as important goals,” explained Emily Ledford, science teacher and lead WASC coordinator.

Overall, the WASC accreditation process is a valuable time of self-evaluation for all. As administrators and staff begin to reflect and reevaluate goals and classroom objectives, WASC encourages action plans to be centered around visualizing how new implementations will impact students both in the short term and long term.

The process isn’t over yet though, as CVHS eagerly awaits for a final “grade” from WASC. 

“We actually just submitted the redraft, so we should find out if we are in a three or six year cycle by the end of the school year,” Ledford said.