Written by Dawn Rock, WASC International Consultant
At WASC, we are committed to excellence in worldwide accreditation through personalized support. As a consultant, I find this approach to be professionally gratifying and the most effective approach to affect positive change in schools. Emphasizing personalized service provides me the opportunity to collaborate closely with each school, tailoring my approach to suit their unique needs. This customized strategy not only ensures effectiveness but also leads to a more profound and enduring impact. Recently I conducted a specialized training session on the fundamentals of WASC accreditation for a small school that was seeking accreditation for the first time. Recognizing the specific needs of this school, we delved deeply into a discussion about schoolwide learner outcomes. Our focus extended beyond the basics, exploring how these outcomes could articulate the school’s purpose by envisioning a well-educated, healthy, and morally grounded student which would then serve as a northstar to guide their improvement processes. This tailored approach not only met the school’s immediate requirements but also laid the foundation for lasting positive change.
In addition, this personalized approach not only facilitates but actively nurtures meaningful and ongoing relationships between the consultant and the school. By understanding the unique needs and challenges of the institution, I am able to provide effective support and guidance throughout the various stages of the accreditation process. With every interaction, we achieve significant progress, building upon the solid foundation we’ve established.
Most importantly, this relationship creates a level of trust that allows me to have conversations with the school’s leaders which may challenge their thinking and encourage them to explore new perspectives on how best to support student learning and well-being. It is in these moments of open dialogue that we collaboratively strive for innovations or improvements that will positively impact the entire educational ecosystem for the good of all students.