Code of Maine Rules › 05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION › 071 - EDUCATION - GENERAL › Chapter 138 - STATE ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND PROCESSES › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS › Section 071-138-1-04 - Accreditation Standards

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
CLEAR and FOCUSED GOALS. The school has a clearly written
					 statement reflective of the needs, beliefs and values of the school community.
					 The statement is supported by written goals and objectives and is consistent
					 with the unit's philosophy. The statement shows evidence of long and
					 short-range planning and assures the involvement of teachers, administrators
					 and community in the process of its development and evaluation.
COMMUNITY/SCHOOL RELATIONS. The school shall have a
					 written, collaboratively planned program of community outreach which encourages
					 parent/guardian and community involvement in the educational process toward the
					 achievement of the school's goals and objectives. School goals,, procedures,
					 and student progress are regularly discussed with and communicated to
					 parents/guardians and citizens.
CURRICULUM. The school demonstrates evidence of a well
					 planned and periodically evaluated curriculum which consistently results in
					 exemplary educational programming. The curriculum, based on the philosophy and
					 goals of the unit, shows a direct relationship between and among subject areas
					 while preserving the specific objectives of each discipline.
FACILITIES. The school plant, site, and equipment are
					 sufficient to support the programs of the school. They are maintained to ensure
					 the safety and health of all occupants and offer an effective setting for the
					 delivery of high quality programs and services to all students.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS. Teachers and administrators have high
					 educational and behavioral expectations for all students. Students demonstrate
					 measurable improvement in academic achievement, life skills development, self
					 discipline, interpersonal growth, and attitudes toward work. The staff
					 demonstrates its belief that all students can learn essential skills and
					 beyond.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT. The school
					 administration effectively manages and provides leadership which promotes the
					 achievement of educational excellence. Instructional leaders make decisions
					 based primarily on instructional and curricula goals. Instructional leaders set
					 high expectations from goals, monitor student progress and direct resources to
					 meet these goals.
INSTRUCTION. The school demonstrates a carefully
					 coordinated effort to provide instructional processes which have consistently
					 resulted in a learning environment which promotes excellence. A variety of
					 instructional techniques is used by a majority of the teachers. Teachers strive
					 to meet the instructional needs of all students. A school-wide agreement exists
					 about the importance of the instructional program and learning time is
					 maximized by well-planned activities.
MONITORING STUDENT PROGRESS. The school frequently and
					 carefully measures, with a variety of methods, student progress toward all
					 goals. These data are disaggregated (i.e. sorted by meaningful subgroups such
					 as male/female, free and reduced hot lunch, or courses of study) and are used
					 to evaluate programs, direct instruction, and redirect resources.
SCHOOL CLIMATE. The school has a climate which promotes
					 individual self-esteem, high expectations for achievement, acceptance of the
					 differences between people, and a positive attitude toward learning. The
					 climate enhances and encourages learning and staff consistently models
					 appropriate behaviors.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT. The school has a carefully planned staff
					 development program guided by sound educational theory that promotes exemplary
					 practices. This program., which is outlined in a written plan, evolves from the
					 instructional and curricula goals of the school and has developmentally
					 appropriate activities available for new and experienced
					 staff.