Meeting Accreditation Challenges

WASC Standards

Standard I: Evaluation, integrated planning, implementation, and re-evaluation to verify and improve the effectiveness.

Standard II: The institution offers high-quality instructional programs, student support services, and library and learning support services that facilitate and demonstrate the achievement of stated student learning outcomes.

WASC Standards

Standard III: The institution effectively uses its human, physical, technology, and financial resources to achieve its broad educational purposes, including stated student learning outcomes, and to improve institutional effectiveness.

Standard IV: The institution recognizes and utilizes the contributions of leadership throughout the organization for continuous improvement of the institution.

Accreditation trends

Focus has shifted from resources to outcomes-based measurements of institutional effectiveness.

Emphasis on goal attainment.

Colleges are encouraged to build a “culture of evidence” to demonstrate goal attainment.

Findings

Of 25 colleges applying for reaffirmation of accreditation in 2009-10, 14 had their accreditation reaffirmed.

Eight colleges were issued warnings.

Three colleges were placed on probation.

Why were they cited?

1) Integrated planning and evaluation: 8 colleges cited

2) Student learning outcomes: 5 colleges cited

3) Distance education 4 colleges cited

4) Technology planning: 4 colleges cited

Why were they cited?

5) Governing board: 3 colleges cited

6) Resource allocation: 3 colleges cited

7) Communication and shared governance: 3 colleges cited

8) Human resources and employee evaluations: 3 colleges cited

Prepare for the Following:

Rigorous scrutiny of integrated planning processes in accreditation.

Demonstrate effectiveness based on an evaluation of student learning outcomes.

Document results of program review are clearly and consistently linked to institutional planning and resource (re)allocation processes.

Successful Planning Models:

Link activities to cost to fund activities that support achievement of strategic goals and student learning outcomes.

Participatory planning efforts are more successful than centralized ones.

Implement exemplary effectiveness practices consistently across the institution

Reaffirmation of Accreditation is supported by:

A culture of assessment, characterized by an institutional commitment to the following: ◦Program review◦Institutional effectiveness◦Information sharing◦Systemic assessment planning

Reaffirmation of Accreditation is supported by:

◦Common assessment terminology◦Professional development◦Planning and resource allocation and◦Involvement and support from Board, President,

faculty, staff and information technology.

Accreditation Timeline for Reedley & Willow International

Steering Committees Formed January 2010

Substandard Committees Formed February 2010

Data Collection - Survey faculty/staff/studentsGAP Analysis and Review

April-May 2010

1st draft submitted to campus constituency for review August 2010

Campus Forums/Workshops August 2010

2nd draft submitted to campus constituency for review January 2011

Begin validation, finalization and constituency approval February-March 2011

Self-study completed and sent to Chancellor May 2011

Submit for Board Review June 2011

Board of Trustees approval July 2011

Pre-team site visit August 2011

Report submitted to visiting team and commission August 2011

Team visit October 2011

Commission Meets January 2012

Recommendations Published February 2012

Reedley College Accreditation Committees

Accreditation Steering Committee Co-Chairs --  Marilyn Behringer, Anna Martinez

Standard I − Institutional Mission and Effectiveness — Barbara Hioco, Eileen Apperson-Williams, Linda Nies MissionImproving Institutional Effectiveness Standard II − Student Learning Programs and Services -- Marilyn Behringer, Anna Martinez Instructional Programs — Marilyn Behringer, Anna Martinez, Lisa McAndrewsStudent Support Services — Monica Cuevas (NC), Mario Gonzales, Michael WhiteLibrary and Learning Support Services — Stephanie Curry, Cynthia MacDonald (NC) Standard III − Resources -- Scott Thomason, Gary SakaguchiHuman Resources — Melanie Highfill, John McPhee (NC), Gary Sakaguchi, Scott ThomasonPhysical Resources — Scott Thomason, Jim BurgessTechnology Resources — Gary SakaguchiFinancial Resources — Scott Thomason, Melanie Highfill Standard IV − Leadership and Governance — Brian Shamp (NC), Bill Turini, Tom WestDecision-Making Roles and ProcessesBoard and Administrative Organization