Accreditation: The Low Down

The state and the national authorities authorize organizations to give accreditation to private schools. These organizations are in charge of reviewing applications for accreditation. They may or may not grant it to a private school. 

With the accreditation, the schools can provide the necessary documents and school records certifying that a student has met the minimum requirements set by its peers in academics.

Having accreditation is a highly sought-after status by private schools because it means that the school meets the minimum requirements and can produce graduates eligible to apply for college or university level education. The school is authorized to issue transcripts and diplomas that can be deemed acceptable by various colleges and universities.

How to Earn Accreditation

To get accreditation from any awarding organization, schools must meet specific standards and comply with the requirements. Getting accreditation is an on-going process. Once a school earns accreditation, they must continuously work to maintain it if they wish to maintain their affiliation with the organization. On top of this, they have to pay a fee that will cover the assessment process and the membership fee with the accrediting organization.

There are several authorized accrediting organizations that a school can apply for. In general, the initial accreditation will happen in three phases: (1) an internal assessment or self-evaluation of the school by its Head of School and officers, (2) a review of the internal assessment by a reviewing/assessing committee, and (3) multi-day visit conducted by the committee.

The school must conduct an internal assessment of its strengths and areas for improvement based on the accrediting organization’s standards. All school areas, including but not limited to academic standards, student life, admissions, and residential life (for boarding schools). The Head of School will work closely with other school officers to compile the requirements with the corresponding related documents for reference. This will then be submitted to a committee from the accrediting organization to review the application and see if it meets the standards. The committee will schedule a school visit, which will happen over several days, to observe the implementation of the school’s policies and procedures. They may conduct formal and informal interviews with members of the school community.

The self-evaluation or internal assessment has to be transparent and updated. If a school submits a report that appears too good to be true, it might backfire and lead to more scrutiny.

The reviewing/assessing committee will communicate its findings to the school. They will make short-term and long-term recommendations, which the school must act upon to earn the accreditation.

Maintaining Accreditation

Maintaining accreditation is a comprehensive and rigorous process, which private schools should work for. Accreditation is only valid for a given period, which means it’s not permanent. The accrediting committee will be conducting another round of assessments to see if the school is aligned with its standards and if there have been any improvements since the previous visits. The committee has the right to reinstate or revoke the accreditation.

The post Accreditation for Private Schools: is it Necessary? appeared first on The Edvocate.

According to reports, Gov.-elect Youngkin had initially appointed Sen. Locke to the SREB in October 2021. However, just a few weeks later, she was removed from her position by the incoming administration. This sudden move has raised questions about why Sen. Locke was removed and what this could mean for educational policies and opportunities in the region.

Sen. Locke has been a longtime advocate for education in Virginia, serving as a member of the Virginia General Assembly and Virginia Senate for over 20 years. During her time in office, she has worked to improve access to education and increase funding for schools, particularly in low-income areas. She has also been a vocal advocate for affordable college education and has supported efforts to reduce the cost of higher education.

The SREB is an organization that works to promote educational opportunities and policies in the southern United States. The board is made up of representatives from 16 states and focuses on issues such as college and workforce readiness, teacher training, and technology in the classroom. As a member of the SREB, Sen. Locke has been able to bring her expertise and insight to the table and help shape policies that benefit students and educators across the region.

Given her extensive experience in education and her dedication to improving educational opportunities for all students, it is unclear why Gov.-elect Youngkin would choose to remove Sen. Locke from the SREB. Some have speculated that it may be related to political differences or disagreements over educational policies. Others have questioned whether the move was necessary or appropriate given Sen. Locke’s established role in the organization.

Regardless of the reasons behind Sen. Locke’s removal, many in the education community are concerned about the implications for the future of education in Virginia and the southern region. As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and work to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, it is essential that we have strong leaders and advocates who are dedicated to making a positive impact in this field.

In the weeks and months ahead, it will be important to closely follow developments in the education sector and monitor any changes or shifts in policy that may result from the new administration in Virginia. With so much at stake, we must remain vigilant and committed to promoting educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.   

The post Youngkin Removes Sen. Locke from Southern Regional Education Board appeared first on The Edvocate.

Many students believe that ChatGPT is a useful tool in higher education. The convenience of asking questions and receiving an immediate response is one of the most highlighted benefits of ChatGPT. Students do not have to wait for a professor or teaching assistant to respond to their queries, and they can ask questions anytime and anywhere. The AI-powered system is also capable of providing personalized responses, which is another reason for its popularity.

Moreover, ChatGPT can assist students in improving their writing skills. The chatbot can provide feedback on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Students can use this tool to learn from their mistakes and improve their writing skills.

Some students, however, have concerns about the reliability and accuracy of ChatGPT. They suggest that the system may not provide accurate and reliable information, which may lead them to confusion. While the AI-powered system offers immediate responses, students may not get the in-depth explanations or the human touch that they need to comprehend the concepts thoroughly.

Another disadvantage of ChatGPT is that it does not offer real-time interaction. The ChatGPT is a pre-programmed system that responds to specific questions; therefore, it cannot provide real-time interaction like a human professor. Real-time interaction is essential in understanding complex concepts, and some students may feel like ChatGPT is limiting their ability to ask critical questions.

In conclusion, while ChatGPT has its advantages and disadvantages, students’ opinions and attitudes about this tool are mixed. Some appreciate the convenience of immediate responses, personalized feedback, and writing assistance while some argue that it cannot provide real-time interaction like human professors. The benefits and limitations of ChatGPT should be considered in higher education to ensure that students get the best possible assistance.  

The post How Do Students Feel About ChatGPT? appeared first on The Edvocate.

Becoming

In 2018, Michelle released her autobiography titled “Becoming”. The book chronicles her life growing up on the South Side of Chicago, her marriage to Barack Obama, and their rise to the presidency. It became an instant best-seller and won several awards. “Becoming” was also adapted into a Netflix documentary by the same name. In it, Michelle shares her thoughts on motherhood, self-acceptance, and the challenges she faced as the first African American First Lady.

Let’s Move!

Michelle Obama was an advocate for health and wellness during her time in the White House. She launched the “Let’s Move!” campaign in 2010 and worked to increase access to healthy foods for children all over the United States. Since then, she has continued her work in this area. In 2020, she teamed up with PBS Kids to launch “Mondays with Michelle Obama”. The show taught children the importance of healthy eating and staying active.

When We All Vote

When We All Vote is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that was co-founded by Michelle Obama in 2018. Its objective is to increase the number of eligible voters who turn out for elections. Since its inception, the organization has registered thousands of voters and has partnered with several other organizations to get more Americans to vote. In 2020, it launched its “Civic Cities” campaign in 31 cities all over the United States. The campaign encouraged individuals to register to vote and to take the necessary steps to make sure their vote counts.

Speaking Engagements

Michelle Obama is a sought-after speaker and has been invited to speak at several events all over the world. In 2019, she embarked on a sold-out book tour that took her to several cities in the United States and Europe. She spoke about her life, her work and shared inspirational messages with her audience. In 2020, she was the keynote speaker at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

In conclusion, Michelle Obama has been busy since leaving the White House. She has continued her work in health and wellness, empowering women and encouraging younger generations to vote. Her autobiography, “Becoming” has become a best-seller and inspired millions of people all over the world. With her focus on education and empowering others, it is clear that Michelle Obama will continue to make a positive impact on the world for years to come. 

The post What is Michele Obama Up to Nowadays? appeared first on The Edvocate.

First and foremost, Obama has been focusing on his non-profit organization, the Obama Foundation. The foundation was established in 2014 with the goal of inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. Its mission is to promote civic engagement, create opportunities for community service, and provide leadership training programs to young people around the world.

To that end, the foundation has launched several initiatives, including the Obama Presidential Center, which is currently under construction in Chicago. The center will serve as a museum, library, and community center, with a focus on promoting civic engagement. It will also house the offices of the Obama Foundation.

In addition to his work with the foundation, Obama has been active in supporting Democratic candidates and causes. During the 2018 mid-term elections, he campaigned for several candidates, and he has endorsed Joe Biden in the current presidential race. He has also been a vocal advocate for voting rights and has spoken out against voter suppression efforts.

Obama has also remained active in the international community. In particular, he has focused on promoting global health initiatives. For example, he has been involved in efforts to combat the Ebola virus in West Africa, and he has spoken out on the need for global pandemic preparedness.

Aside from his political and philanthropic work, Obama has also been working on several creative projects. He recently released his memoir, “A Promised Land,” which has received widespread acclaim. Additionally, he has been involved in producing documentaries and other content for Netflix through his production company, Higher Ground Productions.

Finally, Obama has been spending time with his family. He and his wife, Michelle, have two daughters, Malia and Sasha, who are both in college. The family has been living in their home in Washington D.C., and they have been enjoying some downtime during the pandemic.

Overall, Barack Obama has remained active and engaged since leaving the White House. His work with the Obama Foundation, his advocacy for voting rights and global health initiatives, his creative projects, and his family time have all kept him busy. It’s safe to say that he will continue to be a prominent voice in American politics and society for years to come. 

The post What is Barack Obama Up to Nowadays? appeared first on The Edvocate.

The TEA has announced plans to take control of the HISD board of trustees, citing a decade of chronic underperformance in the district, including a failing school rating for one high school and four other campuses.

The proposal, which would replace the elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers, has elicited a strong response from the community.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the HISD board of trustees have vowed to fight back against the TEA’s recommendation.

The community is outraged at the proposed takeover, which they view as an attack on local control of schools and an attempt to disenfranchise minority communities. They point out that the TEA has a history of failing to improve struggling schools when it takes over.

In response to the proposed takeover, students and parents have held rallies and marches, demanding that the TEA abandon its plans and allow the local school board to continue its work.

One parent, Leticia Plummer, told Houston Public Media that she was concerned about the impact of the takeover on her children.

“I have three children who are currently enrolled in HISD, and I’m terrified of what this takeover will mean for them,” Plummer said. “We need to send a clear message to the TEA that we won’t stand for this.”

Students, too, are speaking out against the proposed takeover. High school senior Ana Gonzalez told ABC News that students are worried about the potential disruption to their education.

“We don’t want to lose the progress we’ve made as a district,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve worked too hard to let the TEA take over now.”

Protesters have also taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the TEA’s proposal, using hashtags such as #KeepHISDLocal and #NoTEATakeover to spread their message.

Despite the public outcry, the TEA’s proposal is expected to be approved by the Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in the coming weeks.

However, supporters of HISD remain undeterred, vowing to fight the takeover every step of the way.

“Our community stands in solidarity with our elected school board members,” said Gaby Gallardo, a spokesperson for HISD parent group Houstonians for Great Public Schools. “We will not back down in the face of this attack on our schools.”

As the battle over HISD’s future heats up, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious. For now, students and parents are determined to keep their voices heard and their schools under local control.  

The post Houston ISD Students and Parents Protest Racist TEA Takeover appeared first on The Edvocate.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced the decision in February 2019, citing the district’s failure to improve academic performance and comply with state regulations. “It is abundantly clear that HISD cannot continue to operate with its current governance structure in place,” Morath said in a statement. “We are taking this action as a last resort to improve academic performance and financial stability at HISD.”

Under TEA control, a board of managers will oversee HISD’s operations instead of the district’s elected Board of Trustees. The superintendent and his staff will report directly to the board of managers, and the elected board will have limited authority.

This decision has caused controversy and uncertainty among stakeholders. Some see it as an opportunity for improvement, while others view it as a loss of local control and a threat to public education.

Proponents of the takeover argue that HISD has been struggling for years and needs drastic measures to turn things around. The district has faced several challenges, including declining enrollment, low academic performance, and financial mismanagement. In 2018, HISD received an overall grade of “C” from the Texas Education Agency, with several schools receiving failing grades.

Opponents of the takeover argue that it undermines local democracy and could lead to privatization of public education. Some have raised concerns about the potential for racism and discrimination in the process of selecting the board of managers. There are also worries about the lack of transparency and accountability in the TEA’s decision-making process.

The HISD board of trustees has filed a lawsuit to stop the takeover, arguing that it violates their constitutional rights and the Voting Rights Act. The lawsuit also claims that TEA failed to provide adequate notice and opportunities for public input before making the decision.

The TEA has defended its decision, stating that they have been monitoring HISD for years and have given the district multiple opportunities to improve. They believe that the takeover is necessary to ensure that students receive a quality education and that the district operates efficiently and effectively.

As HISD prepares for the transition to TEA control, there are still many questions and concerns about what the future holds. What will the board of managers look like, and how will they be selected? Will they prioritize student needs, or will they prioritize financial interests? How will this change impact teachers, staff, and the community?

Only time will tell how the TEA takeover will affect HISD and its students. However, it is clear that the district faces significant challenges that need to be addressed. Hopefully, the new leadership will be able to provide the support and direction needed to improve the academic and financial performance of HISD, while also creating a transparent and accountable process.    

The post Texas Education Agency will take control of Houston ISD in June appeared first on The Edvocate.

CRT, or critical race theory, is an academic framework examining systemic racism and its impact on society. Transgender ‘insanity’ refers to the teaching of concepts surrounding gender identity and inclusive language.

President Trump recently tweeted, “Department of Education is looking at this. If so, they will not be funded!”

The statement has put schools around the country on edge, as many have begun incorporating CRT and transgender education into their curriculum.

While some have applauded the move, others are concerned about the impact it could have on education.

Advocates for CRT argue that understanding systemic racism is essential to creating a more equitable society, while those advocating for transgender education argue that it can help create safe and inclusive spaces for all students, including transgender and non-binary students.

Critics, however, argue that CRT promotes discrimination towards white people and that transgender education goes against biological science.

In the wake of the statement, several states, including Texas and Florida, have taken action to ban or restrict CRT and transgender education in their schools.

The move by the Trump administration is not the first attempt to restrict CRT and transgender education. Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a rule allowing federally funded homeless shelters to turn away transgender people, sparking outrage and legal action.

The future of CRT and transgender education remains uncertain. While federal funding is an essential source of support for many schools, educators may continue to incorporate these concepts into their curriculum on a state or local level.

For those who support the move by the Trump administration, a victory in November’s presidential election could lead to long-term changes. However, those who oppose the move may have to fight for their beliefs through grassroots organizing and legal action. 

The post Trump Cows to Cut Federal Funding for Schools Teaching CRT or ‘Transgender Insanity appeared first on The Edvocate.

Trump’s speech was met with cheers and applause from conservatives, who share his concerns about the erosion of parental rights. The former President spoke in length about the importance of parents having the final say over their children’s education, healthcare, and upbringing.

According to Trump, “Leftist ideologues are trying to take over parental control of everything from the curriculum in schools to the medical decisions we make for our children. This must stop. Parents know what’s best for their children, not bureaucrats in Washington.”

Trump’s message resonated with parents across the country who have been increasingly concerned about the government’s overreaching influence in their children’s lives. Concerns about critical race theory being taught in schools, the push for mandatory vaccinations, and the erosion of religious freedoms have led many parents to seek greater protection for their rights.

During his speech, Trump also took aim at the Biden administration’s stance on parental rights. He accused the current administration of being in cahoots with the teachers’ unions and pushing a leftist agenda that sees parents as an obstacle to their goals.

“We must stand up for parental rights if we want to protect the future of our children and our nation,” Trump said, adding that “the left wants to control every aspect of our lives, but we won’t let them. We will fight for our children and our families, and we will win.”

In recent years, the issue of parental rights has become a hot-button topic, particularly in conservative circles. Many Republicans, including Trump, see it as a fundamental issue that speaks to individual liberty and freedom.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the issue of parental rights will play out in the 2024 Presidential campaign. However, one thing is clear – it is an issue that will continue to be debated by politicians and policymakers across the country for years to come.    

The post Trump Pushes Parental Rights in First Campaign ’24 Visit to Iowa appeared first on The Edvocate.

One of Trump’s primary goals for education reform is to increase school choice options for American families. He believes that parents should have the power to decide which schools their children attend, regardless of their zip code or income level. This includes expanding charter schools, school voucher programs, and homeschooling options. Trump argues that competition among schools will lead to improved academic outcomes for all students, as schools will have to work harder to attract and retain students.

Another key area of focus for Trump is promoting vocational education and job skills training. He believes that not all students will want to pursue a traditional college education and that there should be more emphasis on providing students with the skills needed to succeed in trades and technical fields. Trump has proposed expanding apprenticeship programs and partnerships between schools and businesses to provide students with real-world work experience.

In addition to expanding school choice and vocational education, Trump has also expressed support for increasing teacher pay and reducing bureaucratic red tape in education. He has criticized the Common Core standards and federal overreach in education, arguing that states and local communities should have more control over their own education systems.

While education has traditionally not been a top priority for Republican presidential candidates, this could be changing. With DeSantis’ success in implementing education reforms in Florida and Trump’s increasing focus on the issue, education could become a key issue in the 2024 race. As the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of education and the challenges facing American schools, it is likely that voters will be paying closer attention to education policy in the coming years.

Overall, Trump seems to be looking to catch up to DeSantis and establish himself as a leader in education policy in the Republican party. Whether or not this focus on education will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but it is clear that education will be an important issue to watch in the 2024 race.    

The post Trump Looks to Play Catch-up to DeSantis on Education in 2024 race appeared first on The Edvocate.