MIDDLE STATES ACCREDITATION SURVEYS

May, 2008

The Dauphin County Technical School is undergoing a process that will result in accreditation for growth. We are seeking input from many sources, business and industry, post- secondary partners, parents, students and staff to help us identify our strengths and weaknesses and where we can find room for improvement. We continue to strive for excellence in both our curriculum and instruction so that we provide the best education to our students both adult and at the high school level.

To help us collect this information we are inviting you to complete a survey on the DCTS website. We are looking to collect valuable data as to what we are doing well and where we may need to improve. This information will be shared with committees made up of community partners and staff and will help us chart a course to constant improvement.

To complete the survey click on the survey that best fits your description:

Parent
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=mmbDhwMxgvnJ6xqxn78ssQ_3d_3d

Students
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=mr_2fKOkiuTvJNISAavkj3IQ_3d_3d

Community-(Co-Op Employers, Occupational Advisory Committee members, business and industry and post secondary partners)
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wIeCd84e1ggOuChnNuhfXA_3d_3d

From this point you will be directed to a survey tool (Survey Monkey) and you will be able to answer a series of questions pertaining to areas of interest at the school. When you complete the survey just hit the “done” button and your information will be tabulated and added to the collected information. Thank you for supporting this endeavor.

Enclosed is a list of the sub committees that are available for your participation in helping to create a pathway to excellence for our school.  If you would like to be involved please contact Marilyn Rearick, Administrative Assistant at 717-652-3170 ext 427 and tell her which committee you would like to be placed on for future meetings..

Thank you for supporting the Dauphin County Technical School and helping us reach the level of excellence needed to educate the young people of today.  Any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 717-652-3170 ext 427.

Sincerely,

Toni Arnold
Assistant Director
Middle States Accreditation for Growth Sub committees for 08/09 school year

Philosophy/Mission
The school has a clearly written and actively implemented statement of philosophy/mission that conveys the general and specific purposes of its educational program, expresses expectations for quality, and serves as the basis for daily operational and instructional decision-making as well as long-range planning.  Stakeholders give input into the development of the school’s philosophy/ mission and understand and accept it.  This document is aligned with the community served and is reviewed periodically by stakeholder representatives.

Governance & Leadership

The school is chartered, licensed, or authorized by a state, nation, or authority that operates in the public interest.  The governance and leadership ensure the integrity, effectiveness, and reputation of the school through the establishment of policy, provision of resources, and assurance of a quality educational program.  The governance and leadership act ethically and consistently to assure an atmosphere of mutual respect and purposeful effort on behalf of students and their learning.  School leaders foster a productive environment for teaching and learning, and the vision necessary for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

School Improvement Planning

The school uses a collaborative process to develop and implement a written strategic or long-range plan to improve its educational program and services.  Plans are aligned with the school’s philosophy/mission and its operational plans, and are focused on continuous improvement of student performance, staff professional and organizational growth.

Finances

Financial resources are sufficient to provide the educational opportunities defined in the school’s philosophy/mission.  The business practices of the school are ethical.  These practices promote confidence in the school’s ability to manage fiscal and material resources in a responsible manner and follow prescribed budgeting and accounting principles.  The majority of resources raised for school purposes is dedicated to the school’s operations.

Facilities

School facilities are safe, clean and well maintained.  The physical environment supports delivery of the educational program/services as well as optimal student development and achievement.  Facilities are appropriate and adequate to implement the philosophy/mission of the school.  They are regularly inspected for effective operation and meet all applicable laws including health and safety code requirements.

School Climate & Organization

The school’s organizational structure and climate facilitate achievement of its core values as expressed in the philosophy/mission.  The school culture supports successful implementation of age- and developmentally appropriate educational programs and services.  Roles, responsibilities, expectations, and reporting relationships are clearly defined.  Administrative, instructional, and support staff are qualified, competent, and sufficient in number to effectively provide quality educational experiences.  The school regularly conducts staff performance appraisals and offers professional development opportunities informed by its philosophy/mission.  Relationships among the staff and leadership are collegial and collaborative.

Health & Safety

A safe, orderly, and healthy environment for teaching and learning is provided.  The school adheres to local, state, and federal government health and safety requirements.  Health, safety, preventive/emergency procedures, and crisis management policies are clearly written, well documented, implemented and updated regularly.
Educational Program
The educational program consists of a carefully planned and well-executed curriculum that includes appropriate academic standards, solid pedagogy, and assessment, all based on research and best practices.  The educational program is aligned with the school’s mission, approved by the governance, sufficiently financed, and periodically reviewed by stakeholders.  It is developed to address the needs of all students and is designed to foster and challenge student learners at all levels.  Effective policies and procedures are in place, along with instructional materials, technology, and equipment that are appropriate, functional, and well maintained.  Written curriculum guides are current, functional, available, and in use.  They define scope and sequence of the educational program as well as program objectives and reflect sound approaches to teaching and learning.

Assessment & Evidence of Student Learning

The school systemically collects and rigorously analyzes quantifiable and observable evidence of individual learning and growth from multiple valid and reliable sources.  Evidence of student learning is used to evaluate and improve curriculum effectiveness, instructional practices, professional development, and support services.  Progress in student learning and performance is expected and is accurately, clearly, and systematically reported to the school community.

Student Services

The school implements written policies and procedures, in partnership with families and the community, that provide all students with, or refer them to, services that are age- and developmentally appropriate to optimize opportunities for life-long success.  Student services are systematic and integral to the educational program.  They are provided by qualified personnel, sufficiently financed, periodically evaluated, and philosophy/mission appropriate.

Student Life & Student Activities

The school provides access to non-discriminatory student activities that are age- and developmentally appropriate to supplement the educational program.  A balance of academic, social, co- or extra-curricular and service activities is maintained.  Student activities are selected to foster intellectual, cultural, and social growth as well a physical health and wellness.  Student activities provide opportunities for student leadership and social interaction and encourage development of student interests.  These activities are adequately financed, periodically reviewed by stakeholders, managed by school governance and leadership, and appropriate to the school’s philosophy/mission.

Information Resources & Technology

Information resources, materials, and technology are accessible and of adequate scope, quantity, and quality to facilitate the school’s pursuit of its total educational program.  These resources encourage all students and staff to broaden and extend their knowledge and skills.  Access to appropriate information resources and technology is provided for students and staff.  Appropriate instruction is offered to develop student and staff inquiry, research, and information literacy skills.  Information technology equipment is functional and well maintained.