Vance Early College High Earns National Accreditation

Vance County Early College High School started classes in August with a national certification and commitment to stellar student performance.

Principal Michael Bullard said the school received its first accreditation in June from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, an organization that assesses schools for high standards and continuous improvement.

The SACS stamp of approval has to be renewed every five years.

Bullard said he and his staff are glad the three-year process of paperwork and self-evaluation has come to an end.

“We are just glad to have it,” he said.

District spokeswoman Terri Hedrick said the milestone is something every school should be proud of.

“Accreditation from this organization is very impressive and something that all of our high schools strive for every time their accreditation comes around,” she said. “It’s a very involved process.”

Vance County Early College High School first opened its doors August 2008. Bullard said administrators have always sought ways to create a better learning environment for students.

“That was just some extra eyes to look at us and tells us, ‘This is what we suggest,’ ” he said. “Now we’ll take it and run with it.”

Bullard said representatives analyzed all facets of the school and its operations during a two-day visit. One issue they found was the need for more teacher communication.

“And we have already done that,” he said. “Every Wednesday they get together now to talk about their issues.”

SACS also found the school needed more use of student data in the classroom and enhanced community involvement, according to Bullard.

To address that, he said more newsletters will be distributed and teachers will incorporate test scores into creation of their lesson plans.

Mark Elgart, CEO of the AdvancED — the parent organization for SACS — said in a statement Monday becoming accredited creates an entire school dedicated to lifelong learning.

“Vance County Early College High School is to be commended for engaging in this process and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement,” he said in the release.

Originally Posted Here

North Carolina School Boards AssociationVance Early College High Earns National Accreditation