The announcement was made after the school completed a detailed school report and hosted an initial visit by fellow educators to examine the school program in relation to student learning and well-being based on the WASC criteria. The resulting initial visiting report that was reviewed by the WASC Commission summarized schoolwide strengths and growth areas for continuous improvement.
This is a critical first step in the school’s continuous improvement journey that involves all stakeholders in a deeper analysis of its program based on the WASC criteria through the self-study/visit process.
Message From Christopher Jackson CEO:
Finding the best versions of people and pets starts with us first finding the best versions of ourselves.
Message From WASC (WCGA Strengths)
WCGA provided a very thorough initial visit report, including supporting evidence. During the initial visit there was the opportunity for meaningful dialogue with the stakeholders, observations of students engaged in learning, and examination of additional evidence. The visiting committee found many positive aspects to the SEP which follow.
- The educational program combines online learning with hands-on practice in an effective sequence. Students start with online study of animal care basics and safety rules. They then move to classroom practice where they learn grooming skills step by step. The program includes both dog and cat grooming training. Students must show they can do each skill well before learning more advanced techniques. Regular testing makes sure students learn each part thoroughly. The course covers all skills needed for professional pet grooming work.
- Staff, faculty, and administration work together in a well-organized system. Teachers complete special training before starting work and take regular safety courses. The academy leaders meet weekly to discuss how to help students learn better. Clear rules tell everyone what they need to do in their jobs. Teachers turn in regular reports about how students are doing. The academy leadership plans ahead and checks that programs are working well.
- Community partnerships help both students and local people. The academy works with animal shelters to help pets get adopted. Students provide grooming for pets belonging to veterans and people who need help. The academy joins with other groups to give more students a chance to learn grooming skills. These partnerships give students real work experience while helping the community.
- Operational excellence shows in how the academy runs its programs. The academy manages money carefully and plans well for what it needs. A grooming business connected to the academy helps pay for programs and gives students practice space. The academy keeps good records of student progress and attendance. Teaching materials get updated regularly to include new grooming methods. The academy provides extra help for students who need it, including special equipment and language help.
WASC accreditation validates the integrity of a school’s program and transcripts, and assures a community that the school’s goals are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable education program. Furthermore, WASC accreditation is a certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning and well-being that is committed to continuous improvement and high-quality learning and well-being for all students.
Through the WASC ongoing accreditation cycle, the school conducts an in-depth self-study, normally every five or six years, hosts a visit by fellow educators and engages all stakeholders in a follow-up process of implementing, monitoring, and refining the resulting schoolwide action plan.
About WASC: The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, especially in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. To learn more, please visit the WASC website at www.acswasc.org
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