WCEA/WASC

Assessment of Catholic Identity:

"There are exciting faith formation opportunities being offered to nurture and strengthen the Catholic Identity at St. Catherine School! Your staff is to be commended for making Catholic Identity the highest priority and 85% of your school families value this too!"-Mrs. Jocelyn Pierre-Antoine, WCEA Commissioner-Diocese of Oakland

Significant Accomplishments:

  • Prayer Experiences include retreats, faith families, buddy activities, and frequent opportunities to attend mass as a school community

  • Establishment of Religion Coordinator to support the faith formation of the school community, planning of Faith Family activities, and guide the spiritual growth of the school community, and planning for the liturgies.

  • Throughout the year, retreats are hosted by the LCA, School and parish. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) with the LCA network include: Catholic Identity, Diversity/Equity and Inclusion (DEI) focused meetings are one Wednesday each month, followed by Laudato Si' formation on another Wednesday.

Goal:

  • Intentional and frequent parent formation opportunities focusing on faith and the church teachings.

October 2021

We have begun the accreditation process with the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). We are preparing the self-study document using the approved protocol for "Improving Student Learning" for Catholic elementary schools. The protocols are criteria-based and lead the school to do a comprehensive examination of data/evidence related to the areas of:

  • Catholic Identity

  • Organization

  • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

  • Support Services

  • Resources (Enrollment, Finance, Development)


Once the school has reflected on its data and determined its strengths and areas of growth related to the criteria, the most important phase of the process begins: the development of a school wide Action Plan. This Action Plan will serve as the guide for the school as it moves forward with the school improvement process. A guiding principle of WCEA accreditation is that schools are committed to continuous school improvement focused on high achievement for all students.

The SCS faculty and staff have regular meetings to review the goals and reflect on our progress. We reviewed the Action Plan that was developed in the school year 2016:

  1. Increase literacy scores and improve literacy skills overall.

  2. Create a student portfolio plan that encompasses academic and SLE evidence from each grade level.

  3. Increase student academic achievement by using assessment data to inform professional development and instruction.

  4. Professional development for teachers in the area of special needs.

  5. Complete/calibrate curriculum mapping in all subject areas at all grade levels.

In the next couple of newsletters I will begin to share our accomplishments and challenges. You will be asked to share your thoughts. You are a major shareholder at St. Catherine of Siena School and we value your opinion.

Blessings,

Jessica Griswold

Parent Survey Results-WCEA FALL 2021

WCEA Survey Results 2021.pdf