This month I was given the opportunity to chair a WASC self-study visit for an international school in Taiwan. I have been serving with WASC for a number of years as a committee member and during the pandemic was able to co-chair a virtual visit. However, this was my first in-person opportunity to lead a group of colleagues from other international schools in this rewarding process.

Attending WASC visits has always been some of the best and most rewarding professional development. To have the opportunity to take a deep dive into a school and provide valuable feedback as critical friends and colleagues is such a rewarding experience for everyone involved. I appreciate the philosophy of WASC through the accreditation process.

The accreditation process for schools takes a number of years and involves many school stakeholders, including; faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members. The school compiles an extended report (close to 100 pages), researching and answering a number of prompts and indicator questions. As a visiting committee, we look into governance, teaching and learning, curriculum, child protection, etc.

The visiting committee, at the end of the five day visit, prepares an extensive report and communicates the findings with both the school and the WASC commission for final accreditation status.

I would strongly recommend becoming a visiting committee member to any educator that is interested in growing more as a teacher and/or leader. There are a variety of accrediting agencies and it all depends on which one your school uses. If you are interested in learning more about the process, speak with one of your school leaders, and see how you can get more involved.