WASC team praises Sinapalo, Tanapag schools

A Western Association of Schools and Colleges team that was recently in the CNMI to review the accreditation of Sinapalo Elementary School and Tanapag Elementary School last week gave the two schools top marks, virtually assuring the renewal of their accreditation.

WASC consultant Ken Sherer and wife Maureen flew from California and met with WASC Guam representative Marilyn Salas last April 7 to visit Sinapalo Elementary School for the review. They visited Tanapag Elementary School last April 14 and 15.

Sherer said the two schools would definitely get their approval for accreditation for another three years. He said they were so amazed by the enthusiasm of the teachers and students in both schools.

He said the two schools showed excellent compliance with the standards of the U.S. education system. “Both schools have a highly skilled workforce,” said Sherer.

Tanapag Elementary School principal Frances Ulloa said she is happy with the preliminary feedback from Sherer. She said a lot of key issues were addressed at her school and, with the positive results of the review, the school is now planning the actions that will be taken for the next three years to align them with the school system’s vision.

Ulloa said the wonderful result of the review was due to the collective effort by parents, students, teachers and staff of the school.

Sherer said a school passes the accreditation review if it possesses at least four required characteristics:

* leadership, which is empowering teachers, encouraging them to be good role models for the students and getting the community involved in their activities in line with student learning.

* culture of the school, by providing a conducive setting for learning and accepting every student to the school.

* curriculum and instruction methods in school. Sherer said that revamping the curriculum and instruction methodologies to encourage student to read and learn also add a point.

* resources necessary to allow every student to reach their full potential by making all teachers participate in the assurance of learning.

“Every single student should learn and be a productive citizen,” Sherer said.

Sherer and his wife, Maureen, attended last Friday’s Flame Tree Arts Festival Parade of Cultures at the American Memorial Park. Gov. Juan N. Babauta met with the team together with Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta.

Sherer shared with the governor his positive remarks of what they found out in the review. They told the governor of being impressed with the two schools and these schools must serve as model schools for others to follow.

Sherer said he has been in the education sector for 41 years.