Fall/Winter 2000 Issue

Dear NCA COS Members, The North Central Association Commission on Schools is composed of K-12 and post-secondary/vocational and adult education schools in 19 states, the Navajo Nation and the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS). We are unified by a common protocol for continuous school improvement. The protocol focuses on three basic components: Development of a school profile through ascertaining and analyzing data. Development of school or district mission and beliefs based upon the school or district profile and analysis.

Development of student performance goals, supported by implementation strategies/interventions, professional development activities, and assessment through multiple measurements aligned with the student performance goals.

This might seem to be a simple protocol; however, it is the key to driving accountability and consistency across the NCA region. Many employees, volunteers, educators, public representatives, and others have dedicated many hours to formulating a protocol that would press us to a higher level of achievement. This common protocol accommodates many other models of school improvement. One current initiative popular among business leaders is the Baldridge in Education Initiative (BiE IN). This initiative is easily integrated into the protocol. Its "AIMS" align with our beliefs and goals. The NCA COS district-wide accreditation process would align very well with BiE IN. This kind of adaptability is needed to meet the specific needs, concerns, and/or standards in various states and school districts. As I look back upon the 105 years of the NCA and consider how the Commission on Schools has evolved from 19 plus different efforts into one protocol, I can only thank Ken Gose and all other educators, staff members, and volunteers who worked to make us truly aligned for success. The ultimate indicator of success is the improved performance of our students. Let's utilize the common protocol to ensure improvement in student performance.

Hats off to the common protocol!

Eugene G. White, Chairperson
NCA Commission on Schools