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What is Accreditation for Growth (AFG)?

The Accreditation for Growth ( AFG ) protocol is about creating a vision of the preferred future and then putting the systems into place to realize those dreams. AFG seeks to change the traditional school culture of primarily focusing on the inputs of school improvement (facilities, program, services, etc…) to focusing on the outputs desired in student performance.

When does the accreditation process begin?

Caribbean School is currently in the process of renewing its accreditation with the Middle States Association (MSA). The MSA Validation Team will visit our school on November 14-17, 2006. Stephen Seu is the chair of our Validation team and will be traveling from the United States to assess Caribbean School 's vision and plans to improve student performance.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation provides a systematic process that requires a school to ask why it exists, to establish a vision of its future, and to determine specific objectives. The question is not if we want a better school, but how we will assure continuous school improvement.

The accreditation process examines the entire school—its philosophy and goals, its community, its programs and services, the facilities and financial stability. The information surfaced through the accreditation protocol serves as a sound basis for school improvement, strategic planning , restructuring, and staff development.

What are the components of AFG?

The AFG protocol requires the school to choose a Planning Team that consists of the school's stakeholders. Stakeholders are Caribbean School 's alumni, community leaders, students, teachers, administrators, and board members. The Planning Team, coupled with Action and Implementation teams are responsible for planning for Caribbean School 's future. This is known as strategic planning. Strategic planning steps include:

•  Clarifying a Mission Statement

•  Developing Belief Statements

•  Participating in an Internal Scanning of the Organization {SWOT –Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats}

•  Participating in an External Scanning of the Environment {SWOT}

•  Identifying Critical Issues

•  Identifying Goals/Objectives

•  Developing Action Plans

What is the validation team looking for?

•  An Attitude of Planning

•  Planning is “ A Way of Life”

•  An Attitude of Vision

•  Vision-Driven Forces “Pull” the School Like a Magnet

•  An Attitude of Continuous Improvement

•  School Exhibits Change is Necessary & Continuous

•  An Attitude of Involvement

•  Reaches Out & Communicates With Full School Community