School Accreditation

Interview Questions for the NCA CASI School Accreditation Quality Assurance Review Visit

For Parents and Other Community Stakeholders

The following Agency Disclosure Notice and Privacy Notice will be read to the participants.

Agency Disclosure Notice. This information collection is authorized by OMB # 0704-0437, expiration April 2009 and RCS # DD-P&R(OT)XXXX expiration date [Insert expiration date]. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Comments can be sent regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense, Research and Evaluation Branch [OMB control # 0704-0437]. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

The following focus questions may be considered during the interview process.

Standard 1 -- Vision

1. Describe the climate/atmosphere of the school.

2. Are you aware of the school’s stated vision, mission, and or beliefs? What does it mean to you as a parent (or member of the community)?

3. What opportunities were you and/or other stakeholders given to contribute to the development of your school’s vision, mission, and/or beliefs?

4. How is the vision communicated to the parents, school community, and businesses?

Standard 2 -- Governance And Leadership

1. Is there a process available for you to provide input on school rules, policies, and procedures?
   If so, please explain.

2. How are the school rules, policies and procedures communicated to you?

3. What leadership opportunities are available for students? Parents? Community stakeholders?

4. (For School Board Members) What do you see as the role and function of the board in providing for the effective operation of the school?

Standard 3 -- Teaching and Learning

1. How do you know what the learning expectations are for your child?

2. How is your child actively involved in their daily learning in the classroom?

3. How is your child provided with a challenging curriculum?

4. Is your child prepared for the next grade level? Explain.

5. If your child is having difficulty in a certain subject area, how do you know? What does the school do to assist your child?

Standard 4 -- Documenting and Using Results

1. How does the school compare to other schools like it in the area?

2. How is your child tested in the school? (daily, weekly, monthly, annually)

3. Do you understand your child’s testing results? How does the school help you to understand these results?

4. Does your child discuss his/her test results with you? If so, explain.

5. Is the school getting better? or Is student performance here increasing? How do you know?

Standard 5 -- Resources and Support Systems

1. What types of programs and/or resource services are available for your child/children to assist them in their learning (students with special needs, gifted students, Limited English Proficient students, tutoring, counseling, mentoring, student appraisal, student referrals, etc.)?

2. What types of resources are available for parents to support their child’s education? (e.g., parent organization, parenting resource materials, conferences)

3. How does the school stay safe and prepared for emergencies? What would happen if there were a crisis or an emergency at the school?

For Parents and Other Community Stakeholders

(Continued)

The following focus questions may be considered during the interview process.

Standard 6 – Stakeholder Communication And Relationships

1. How are parents and/or community stakeholders involved in the school?

2. Is there a process in place for you to communicate your concerns and/or ideas to the school?

3. What are some of the ways the school communicates with you?

4. How are the perceptions/opinions of stakeholders gathered and used?

5. What types of information do you receive about your child and how he/she is doing in school?

6. What suggestions would you make to the school for more parental and community stakeholder involvement?

Standard 7 – Commitment To Continuous Improvement

1. What do you think are the greatest strengths of your school?

2. What do you think are the areas that need improving?

3. Have you had the opportunity to participate in and/or offer suggestions during continuous school improvement planning? If so, explain.

4. How do you know that your child is improving in school? How to do know the school is improving?

©2007 AdvancED -- 08/07/07 Page 3 of 2