Saint Ann - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation
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Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Middle Schools

Report of the Peer Review Team For
Saint Ann School School

Mr. Robert Casey
Principal

Diocese of Nashville
School System

Mrs. Dorothy Gupton
Superintendent

Peer Review Phase of the Quality School Improvement Process
For Continuing Accreditation

Dr. Denise Dunbar
Facilitator

Mrs. Therese Williams
Peer Review Team Chair

Sister M. Jeannine Curley, R.S.M.
Ms. Cherrie Farnette
Mr. Jerry Beckman
Peer Review Team Members

April 24-26, 2002
Date of Visit

I. Introduction

A Peer Review Team representing the Commission on Elementary and Middle Schools of the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS) made an on-site visit to the Saint Ann School on April 24-26, 2002. The Team conducted a five-year review of the school's Quality School Improvement Process, which is an important step in the process of continuing accreditation by SACS.

Members of the Team included:
Sister M. Jeannine Curley, R.S.M., St. Bernard Academy Guidance Counselor
Ms. Cherri Farnette, Westminster School Director of Parent & Community Education
Mr. Jerry Beckman, St. Edward School Principal
Mrs. Therese Williams, Father Ryan High School Academic Dean

The Peer Review Team had five primary functions as follows:
1. Assess the adequacy of the school's improvement planning and implementation processes.
2. Identify the strengths of the school deserving of commendation.
3. Develop Recommendations intended to strengthen the school's programs, activities, and student performance results.
4. Assess the school's compliance with the Standards of the Commission on Elementary and Middle Schools.
5. Develop a written report of the findings.

In preparation for its work, the Peer Review Team carefully reviewed the school's planning summary report that was sent to them in advance of the scheduled on-site visit. The school used the S/SIP Planning materials to complete the Planning Phase of the Quality School Improvement Process. During the on-site visit, the Team performed the tasks listed below.

1. Toured the facilities and observed programs and operations.
2. Reviewed documentation provided by the school.
3. Conducted interviews with school staff and other school stakeholders.
4. Applied the Standards of the Commission on Elementary and Middle Schools.
5. Developed through consensus a report of findings and completed the required certification form.
6. Developed a Recommendation regarding accreditation for Commission approval.
7. Conducted a brief exit interview with school staff.

Documentation for the Team's work was made readily accessible. Administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents were open and honest about the strengths of their school and areas where additional improvement were needed.

II. Evaluation of Planning

1. Commendation(s)

A. The school has fully implemented the school improvement process and refined it to include appropriate components to an independent school.

B. All stakeholders in the community have been included in the school improvement process, and their input has driven the establishment of both appropriate goals for the school and an attainable action plan.

C. The school is to be commended for the evidence of its fulfillment of its mission through student work, faculty and staff procedures, and the testimony of its stakeholders.

2. Recommendation(s)

A. Rationale: While there is evidence of documentation, a routine gathering of information and data would benefit this on-going process of school improvement planning.

Recommendation: It is recommended that a system be established for collection, identification or organization of material and data related to the school improvement process.

B. Rationale: Time should be allotted to continue accountability, recognition of progress, and identification of focus areas for the School Improvement Plan.

Recommendation: It is recommended that at least two scheduled faculty meetings a year be used to address the review and updating of materials and collected data for the School Improvement Plan.

III. Evaluation of the Action Plan for School Improvement

1. Commendation(s)

A. The action plan is clearly connected with the evidence gathered, the mission, and the perceived needs of the school as seen by all stakeholders. In addition, the action plan is universally supported by all stakeholders.

B. The school has developed an action plan that reflects the essence of the time and the enthusiasm needed to complete each element of the plan.

2. Recommendation(s)

A. Rationale: All stakeholders should continue to have ownership in the development of the SIP.

Recommendation: It is recommended that an equitable distribution of responsibility for the development and implementation of the action plan be established.


IV. Evaluation of Implementation

1. Commendation(s)

A. As this is the initial induction for Saint Ann School into the SACS process, there is no previous plan.

2. Recommendation(s)

A. Rationale: A process should be established to update the strategic plan to make it a part of the School Improvement Plan.

Recommendation: Update the strategic plan and fold it into the School Improvement Plan.

V. General Evaluation (if applicable)

1. Commendation(s)

A. Saint Ann School reflects a caring and nurturing environment for enhancing student learning.
B. The depth to which the mission statement drives the day-to-day decisions of the school is to be commended.
C. The faculty and staff exhibit commitment and support in the process of developing the School Improvement Plan.
D. There is evidence of using community resources for integration and extension of classroom curriculum.
E. The automation of the library to enhance its usefulness to students and the dedication and helpfulness of the media specialist in assisting teachers in cross-curricular activities is to be commended.
F. Meetings have been established between cluster grades for curriculum mapping and should be continued.
G. The installation of the Buzz program for more effective communication is to be commended.
H. The addition of the accelerated math program will enhance the regular math classes.
I. The evidence of hands-on learning in classroom instruction is to be commended and encouraged to continue.
J. The renovation of Saint Ann School has provided a more functional and attractive facility.

2. Recommendation(s)

A. Rationale: To insure professional growth and enhance student learning, the committee makes the following Recommendations:

Recommendation: Teachers are encouraged to join local, state and national organizations and take advantage of in-service opportunities within subject areas to enhance their professional growth.

Recommendation: Teachers are also encouraged to increase their technological skills and implement the use of technology in classroom teaching.

Recommendation: The school should provide professional growth opportunities for teachers to increase instructional strategies and learning activities that accommodate diverse learning styles.

Recommendation: It is recommended that teachers continue dialog for professional development and sharing of content knowledge and methodology.

B. Rationale: Maximum use of space should be implemented effectively by parish community and students.

Recommendation: Assessment of space on the campus should be considered, such as:
1) A computer lab in the Parish Life Center; and
2) Enlargement of the gymnasium to meet regulation requirements.

C. Rationale: While an excellent curriculum is in place, students and parents voice the need to implement foreign language instruction.

Recommendation: To explore avenues that could lead to the implementation of foreign languages into the curriculum.

D. Rationale: Students need to be prepared to live in a technological world.

Recommendation: Assess needs for technology use for classroom instruction and design and implement a plan.

Recommendation: The school should consider the addition of a technology coordinator to oversee the full implementation of technology into the learning environment as resources permit.

E. Rationale: For the school to continue to grow and to enhance the community awareness of Saint Ann School, a development director is needed.

Recommendation: The school should consider the addition of a development director to oversee the marketing, public relations, and marketing aspects of the school and parish as resources permit.

VI. Summary Statement

The Peer Review Team found Saint Ann School to be an outstanding school, offering an academic education to its students and a community of faith to all of its stakeholders. The school reflects a mission that encompasses the growth of the whole child. The school has a remarkably dedicated faculty and staff, who have the needs of their students as their primary focus.