SAN FRANCISCO—Last week, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ members — also known as WASC — were on the KZV campus to visit the school. Led by Ruth Balsdon, a retired teacher and principal from Moraga, the three-member team included Sister Anne Eugene Metcalf, CSJ (retired principal) and Monica Barletta (current principal). They visited each classroom, evaluating every grade to make sure they saw general expectations of performance and quality. In addition to actually getting accredited, the goal of this process is to gain validation for goals the school is doing particularly well and to help bring attention to issues that need improvement.
“I was so impressed with KZV’s faculty and their dedication to this school, which really showed in the self-study process,” said Balsdon. “I learned so much about the school, its history, and its current programs through working on this report.”
KZV received a draft report, but that report will not be official until the commission of WASC meets to approve it at the end of April 2015. The report will be ready in May.
“It’s always good to have a visiting team on campus,” Principal Grace Andonian said after the visit. “It lets us see ourselves and the school through a new set of eyes. It’s good to be validated for successful programs, curriculum, and instruction, and it’s good to be reminded of areas, which need growth or improvement. Furthermore, our previous accreditation visits have made us better. The accrediting body is always looking for the long-term health of educational institutions.”
Unofficially, KZV did get some feedback from the team at the end of their visit. The visiting team was very impressed by the pride and loyalty of the school’s constituents. “It was a pleasure for the visiting committee to work with KZV,” said Balsdon. “The collaboration of all members from your community including the board, faculty, students, parents and administration made us feel welcome. It has been our privilege to observe the exemplary skills exhibited by your faculty in the classrooms. The enthusiasm of your students is remarkable. Keep up the good work!”
