March 1, 2003 Emphasizing vision, goal-setting, and
accountability for the improvement of student performance, Seton Hall Prep is now commencing year one in our second cycle of an innovative five-year program of review, leading to accreditation through the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools. Last Spring the school received word from the Middle States Association that based upon, among other things, the quality of our last plan for growth, and the successful growth
demonstrated by our students, the Prep is in compliance with the standards established by the Middle States Association.The relatively new Accreditation for Growth (AFG) process is directed by the Association's
Commission on Secondary Schools, and differs dramatically from the more traditional program that most secondary schools have followed for decades. Previous evaluation tools concentrated on current resources and past
activities and accomplishments, while the AFG protocol is a forward-looking planning model. While Seton Hall Prep has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, the AFG protocol provides us with a tool to enhance
continued success. Previously, accreditation cycles were for ten years; however, the AFG model asks schools to reaffirm or renovate their plan on a five-year cycle. In addition, the protocol asks schools to assess
their own progress on an annual basis. Progress is determined by the relative status of the measurable objectives and by the methods the school uses to adapt and improve the plan. A newly constituted Planning Team,
working under the leadership of Mr. Walter McMahon and Mrs. Carole Marazzi as Internal Coordinators, has been actively examining the state of the school, and beginning to plan to address areas identified for
improvement. The Planning Team reviewed the Mission and Belief Statements of the school, as well as the Philosophy, making minor recommendations to strengthen the Mission Statement. The Board of Trustees approved those
changes and a new Mission Statement will appear in future publications. Working closely with the Board, the Planning Team is now completing a review of our compliance with the aforementioned standards. Before moving
on to the creation of new goals for student growth over the next five years, the Planning Team will hold a series of meetings to solicit input from all members of the Prep Community. On Thursday, February 20th
three meetings will be held with students, to gather input about how the school might improve. On March 11th and 12th the Team will be seeking input from parents through the scheduled meetings of the Mothers Club and
Fathers Club. The Team encourages as many parents as possible attend on those nights and share their hopes and dreams for their sons and the Prep! Based upon input garnered from students, parents, alumni, faculty and
the Board of Trustees, the Planning Team will work to identify areas in which the Prep might make substantial growth in student achievement, without diminishing the excellent program now in place, or backtracking
on the tremendous accomplishments attained in the previous plan in terms of increased Advanced Placement Scores, Student Service Learning, and Technology integration. The process of planning is ongoing, we hope to
involve as many people as possible in the process. PrepNotes and our Parent-Teacher Link will be among our primary venues for communicating with the Prep community. Please check there frequently. |
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