West Lutheran High to pilot new accreditation standards
West Lutheran High School, Plymouth, Minnesota, will be finishing a self-study in preparation for seeking accreditation from the Minnesota Non-Public School Accrediting Association (MNSAA), during the 2013-14 school year. West began the process last year.
West first became accredited with MNSAA in 2000, after it moved into its present facility in Plymouth. This will be the third time West has gone through the accreditation process, which involves reviewing the mission of the school, curriculum and instruction, school climate, community relations, and school governance.
West Lutheran was chosen to be the first high school to pilot the new standards set forth by MNSAA.
“MNSAA is the largest accrediting association for nonpublic schools in the State of Minnesota, accrediting over 170 K-12 schools,” according to its website. “The Minnesota Nonpublic Education Council officially recognizes MNSAA as a bonified accrediting association within the State of Minnesota. MNSAA is also a state chapter of the National Federation of Nonpublic State School Accrediting Associations.”
West Lutheran was chosen to be the first high school to pilot the new standards set forth by MNSAA.
In addition to providing accreditation for some Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod schools, MNSAA supports Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Church of the Lutheran Brethren schools in Minnesota. West Lutheran High School is an LCMS-affiliated school.
Input from all stakeholders is important in indicating compliance to the standards expected from accredited schools by MNSAA. The self-study culminates in a strategic plan for the school which should meet the needs of the students and provide a vital and viable plan for future growth and sustainability.
Once the self-study is completed, it is sent forward to a MNSAA visitation team which reviews the study and the strategic plan. An on-site visit is scheduled for the Spring of 2014. West Lutheran High School administrators hope that this outside validation of the educational program will assure the stakeholders of the school that West Lutheran seeks to provide a quality education in line with its mission.
Tags: Church of the Lutheran Brethren, LCMS, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Minnesota Non-Public School Accrediting Association, MNSAA, WELS, West Lutheran High School Plymouth, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, WLHS
