BIR Update Sessions: General Updates January-February 2009 Ensuring Educator Excellence

2 Topics to be addressed 1. Accreditation Handbook 2. Common Standards 3. Team Member Ethics 4. Travel Information 5. Responsibilities prior to arriving at the site 6. Technology on the visit

3 Topics continued 7. Working as a team member 8. Interview strategies 9. Standard Findings 10. Accreditation Recommendation 11. Evaluating the visit Plus specialized topics

4 Accreditation Handbook Accreditation Handbook (2009) Best resource for team members Chapter 10: Accreditation Site Visit Team Member Information Review this chapter before arriving at the site visit

5 Common Standards Entirely rewritten/new Standards: Standard 2 – Unit and Program Evaluation System Standard 9 – Assessment of Candidate Competence New language: Standard 1: Unit implements and monitors a credential recommendation process that ensures that candidates recommended for a credential have met all requirements. Edits to other standards for clarity and inclusion of all programs Commission adopted edits in November 2008

6 Common Standard Glossary Glossary definitions of the terms in the Common Standards Defines terms in the Common Standards plus Intern Program Second Tier Credential Programs Standards/Glossary

7 Prior to the visit   Make travel arrangements   Submit food/special needs   Read document (s) appropriate for your team assignment   Review electronic evidence that is available   Formulate basic questions Member information page

8 Travel arrangements Use Sacramento Travel to book flights Use the most economical mode of transportation Hotel shuttle, if available A Shuttle Service A Taxi if necessary Submit transportation receipts for reimbursements !

9 Technology at the Visit Standards documents—electronic Standards documents—electronic Self Study Documents—electronic Self Study Documents—electronic Exhibits—electronic Exhibits—electronic Notify CTC staff if you plan to bring a laptop Notify CTC staff if you plan to bring a laptop Notify CTC staff if you need a hard copy of your document (s) Notify CTC staff if you need a hard copy of your document (s) With electronic evidence you may be able to review some of the evidence BEFORE you arrive at the site With electronic evidence you may be able to review some of the evidence BEFORE you arrive at the site

10 Working as a team member Understand your assigned role Understand your assigned role Common Standards Common Standards Program Standards Program Standards Use time wisely Use time wisely Assist in gathering information for other team members Assist in gathering information for other team members Understand the timelines for getting draft of report submitted to lead Understand the timelines for getting draft of report submitted to lead

11 Interview Strategies Introduce Yourself Explain Why You Are Interviewing Each Person Reduce Anxiety Assure Confidentiality Maintain a Professional Perspective Listen Attentively Take Notes Ask Questions Related to Standards Avoid Questions That Can Be Answered “Yes” or “No” Pursue Questions Until You Are Sure They Are Answered Do Not Accept Unsupported Conclusions Be Aware of Time—Adhere to the Schedule Ask a Wrap-Up Question Cross-Check Information

12 Difference between Monday and Tuesday Interviews Monday—gathering information, broad, open-ended questions. “Tell me about your program.” Monday—gathering information, broad, open-ended questions. “Tell me about your program.” Tuesday—gathering information—but focused questions based on what you still need to learn. Let individuals know you have specific questions, but always ask an open ended question at the end Tuesday—gathering information—but focused questions based on what you still need to learn. Let individuals know you have specific questions, but always ask an open ended question at the end

13 Standard Findings The team must reach a decision on each standard— Common and Program — Met—All phrases of the standard are evident and effectively implemented. Met with concern (s)—One or more phrases of the standard are not evident or are ineffectively implemented. Not Met — Significant phrases of the standard are not evident or are so ineffectively implemented that it is not possible to see the standard in the program. Standard Findings Guidance

14 Accreditation Recommendation Accreditation Accreditation Accreditation with Stipulations Accreditation with Stipulations Accreditation with Major Stipulations Accreditation with Major Stipulations Accreditation with Probationary Stipulations Accreditation with Probationary Stipulations Handbook: Chapter 8

15 Stipulations If the recommendation is not “Accreditation,” the team must write proposed stipulations. If the recommendation is not “Accreditation,” the team must write proposed stipulations. Identify the specific area where the institution/program is not meeting the standard (s). Identify the specific area where the institution/program is not meeting the standard (s). Consultant and Team Lead will guide this process. Consultant and Team Lead will guide this process.

16 Team member ethics Accreditation requires the highest standard of ethical behavior and professionalism Accreditation requires the highest standard of ethical behavior and professionalism Interviews are held in strict confidence Interviews are held in strict confidence Team deliberations are confidential and not to be shared with non-team members Team deliberations are confidential and not to be shared with non-team members Ethical and professional behavior of BIR members should not end when the site visit is complete: Ethical and professional behavior of BIR members should not end when the site visit is complete: BIR members should never discuss the details of a review with others BIR members should never discuss the details of a review with others While reports are public, BIR members must always use good professional judgment when asked about reviews While reports are public, BIR members must always use good professional judgment when asked about reviews The success of the accreditation system depends upon YOU! Team Member Ethics

17 Evaluating the visit Electronic survey Team members Team Lead Institution Complete the survey within one week. Contact Administrator of Accreditation (or Division Director) if concerns you do not want to put into writing.