04/13/04

For more than 55 years, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) has been sending teams of educators overseas to evaluate and accredit Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS). DoDDS Pacific takes great pride in its long term, unique partnership with NCA CASI to improve and accredit our schools.

NCA CASI is a non-governmental organization that accredits over 10,000 public and private schools in 19 states, the Navajo Nation, and DoDDS. In earning accreditation, DoDDS Pacific schools meet NCA CASI's quality standards and implement a school improvement plan focused on increasing student performance. All 41 DoDDS Pacific schools are fully accredited by NCA CASI.

The purposes of the NCA CASI team visits are:
1. To review, critique, and provide technical assistance in the school's implementation of the school improvement process.
2. To assess the quality of the teaching and learning climate and the adequacy of resources to promote and sustain improved student performance.
3. To appraise the general effectiveness of the school.
4. To monitor the school's compliance with the NCA CASI Accreditation Standards and Criteria.

NCA CASI Teams conduct three day visits to each school every five years. For the past two years, the Advisory Council on Dependents Education (ACDE) has partnered with NCA in their school visitations. The Advisory Council on Dependents Education recommends programs and practices that ensure a quality educational system to the Secretary of Defense and the DoDEA Director. This year, team members will meet formally with each installation commander, hold structured and open meetings with parents, students, and educators, conduct multiple classroom observations, and provide a public exit report. During April 2004, accreditation teams will visit 11 DoDDS Pacific schools in Misawa, Yokota, Seoul , and Okinawa.

NCA CASI accreditation assures parents and the public that our schools are focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning environment, and maintaining an efficient and effective operation. Accreditation assures parents and the public that our accredited schools adhere to high quality standards based on the latest research and successful professional practice.

I am very proud of the quality education provided to our students. Reports from the visiting teams consistently praise the quality of DoDDS Pacific schools and cite our strong curriculum, excellent instructional staff, and positive school culture focused on increasing student achievement.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific