San Ramon Valley Christian Academy

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ACSI / WASC Accreditation Report

April 2005

MAJOR COMMENDATIONS FOR SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

1. The committee commends the board, administration, faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence in Christian education that allows each child to develop their God-given potential. (Section #1, page 10; observation)

2 . The committee commends the board for the provision of a financial assistance program that grants awards of tuition assistance based upon need, allowing students to take advantages of the benefits of a quality, Christ-centered education, who might not otherwise be able to do so. (School Report Section 2.0, page 2, #5, parent interview)

3. The committee commends the PTF members for their dedication to the purposes of the Academy as evidenced by their support of the academic and supplemental programs, the provision of resources, new family outreach, social activities, drug education programs, which leads to a cohesive school community and extraordinary parent involvement. (Section 3.0, #4, parent interview, observation)

4. The committee commends the students of the Academy for their demonstration and application of biblical principles and Christian character as evidenced by their spiritual maturity, enthusiasm for learning, gracious attitudes, and warm hospitality consistently displayed among the student body. (Observations, interview)

5. The Committee commends the parents for their volunteer services and the school aides for their creative support of the classroom environment, which further enrich and support classroom teachers with the instruction, communication, planning, management, safety, activity, and, in general, the "quality of learning" of the entire school. (School Report, page 1, Numbers 1 and 2, et.al., section 4, observation, aide interview)

6 . The Committee commends the student council leadership for joyfully directing the activities program of the Academy in a Christ-like manner, for representing the student body with enthusiasm, encouragement and a servants' heart, and for being self-directed, visionary and effective in carrying out a comprehensive activities program for the Academy. (Section 7 page 1 #1 and 2 a and b; observation; Interview)

7. The Committee commends the Community Presbyterian Church for the generous provision of a first class, educational facility, utilized by the Academy, which allows the community of Danville to take advantage of a Christ-centered education. (Section 9, page 6, #3g, observation)

MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

1. The committee recommends that the board and administration develop a written, articulate and well-defined vision statement that will direct the school's mission and philosophy to the next generation. (Section #1, page 4, #3, observation)

2. The Committee recommends that the administration create a deeper cadre of "master/mentor" teachers to help supervise not only the first-year teacher, but any teacher who may benefit from the support and mentoring of this "second set of eyes" specifically to provide a non-judgmental, non-threatening and supportive collaboration to give the 'supported teacher' feedback on such things as teacher/student interactions, curriculum delivery, broad base of instructional strategies, management and clarity of communication. (School Report, p. 8, Number 2, subsection a., School Personnel, The Instructional Staff Section, interview)

3. The Committee recommends that the board and administration develop a written, articulate and well-defined vision statement that will direct the school's mission and philosophy to the next generation. (Section #1, page 4, #3, observation)

4. The Committee recommends that the administration develop a formal, appropriate, measurable and purposeful description of "grade level" coordinators, which would include stipend, specific responsibilities relating to sharing of school culture, history and tradition. (Interview/observation-no recorded reference)

SECTION 1.0 PHILOSOPHY AND FOUNDATIONS

The San Ramon Valley Christian Academy , more commonly known as the Academy, is an equipping ministry of the Community Presbyterian Church of Danville. The Academy was established in 1979, and continues to serve the Christian community to meet the academic, social and physical needs of the students based on biblical principles. The Academy clearly demonstrates its commitment to educational excellence allowing each child to develop its God given potential. There is a good match between the school's philosophy and the families it serves. It is clear, in speaking with the various stakeholder groups, that there is loyalty to the philosophy and mission of the school.

Commendations:

2. The committee commends the leadership team, staff and stakeholder groups for developing and assessing learning results that create a rigorous, relevant and coherent curriculum. (Section #1, page 10; observation)

3. The committee commends the administration and PTF for their concerted effort to educate the greater school community about the school through articles written for The Courier, and the publication of the monthly board meeting minutes, resulting in an informed community, which is considered when making decisions about the present and future plans of the school. (Section #1, page 5, 3d, observation, on site document, Eagle week #27).

4. The committee commends the board, administration and faculty for clear, well written ESLR'S that reflect the school's philosophy and are comprehensive, quantifiable, and inclusive of all students, resulting in a clear direction for administration and faculty in choosing curriculum that is relevant and supportive of the school philosophy. (Self Study, Section 1, page 2c, observation, ESLR evidence collection).

5. The committee commends the board, administration, and faculty for endeavoring to measure the spiritual health of the school through various methods including anecdotal information, youth group attendance, chapel leadership, Sunday School and church participation, scripture knowledge during Bible class, resulting in programs that are presented as part of the overall philosophy and mission of the school. (Section #1, page 9, #9, interview, chapel observation, 5 th and 8 th grade Bible class observation).

6. The committee commends the administration and parents for the continued effort to make sure that school families review the mission and philosophy of the school by highlighting aspects of the school philosophy and mission at PTF meetings, in the weekly newsletter, in the school handbook, on re-enrollment forms, and in informal discussion at school events. (Section #1, pages 5-6, #3&4, parent interview and observation).

7. The committee commends the administration and faculty for the continued effort to align school activities with the mission and philosophy of the school, including events like weekly chapel services, scripture memorization, biblical integration into all subjects, support of orphans, tsunami and emergency relief, visiting local nursing homes, adopting a grandparent and PTF cultural programs. (Section 1, page 9, #8, observation).

Recommendations:

2. The committee recommends that the board, administration and staff regularly review the governing documents, which better convey the school's philosophy, mission and vision. (Section #1, page 10, interview)

SECTION 2.0 SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

San Ramon Valley Christian Academy accepts students from Christian families who are capable of working in a rigorous academic environment. Applicants provide references from an educator, pastor, and a friend. The student must take an entrance test administered by an academy teacher. The academy principal makes the final decision regarding acceptance.

The school governance flows from the ultimate authority of the Session of Community Presbyterian Church. The Academy principal reports to the Equipping pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church. The Academy board serves in an advisory role to the principal. Individual teachers are assigned a board member liaison.

The accounting department of the CPC manages the Academy finances. An independent financial review is conducted annually. Academy tuition is reasonable for the area and teachers are compensated well in comparison to other ACSI schools.

Commendations:

1 . The committee commends the board for the provision of a financial assistance program that grants awards of tuition assistance based upon need, allowing students to take advantages of the benefits of a quality, Christ-centered education, who might not otherwise be able to do so.

(School Report Section 2.0, page 2, #5, parent interview)

2. The committee commends the board, the CPC accounting manager, the finance sub-board, and the principal, for their good stewardship and financial management, which has provided the resources necessary to operate a high quality program for students desiring a Christ-centered education in the San Ramon Valley .

(School Report Section 2.0, pages 2-3, interview, observation of financial review)

Recommendations:

• The committee recommends that the administration take the steps necessary to reinstitute formal alumni satisfaction surveys in order to provide quantitative evidence that the Academy is preparing students academically for the schools they will attend when they graduate. (School Report Section 2A, page 3, #6, ACSI standard 2.1).

• The committee recommends that the board consider a written policy regarding the school employees' relatives serving on the school board so that no conflict of interest may exist when either choosing board members or appointing faculty members. (Section 2.B, School Organization, page 2, #5, interview).

• The committee recommends that the board and administration decide how to implement appropriate admissions policies, which would help assure the enrollment of students in the school that can handle the academic rigor. (Section 2A School Organization, page 1, #1a & #3a, interview)

SECTION 3.0 SCHOOL, HOME AND COMMUNITY

San Ramon Valley Christian Academy 's current enrollment of 308 students has been set by the Town of Danville Conditional Use Permit . While the Academy plans to add a second seventh and eighth grade over the next two years, it will need to decrease class sizes to remain under the 308 cap. The school has addressed the withdrawal rate of students moving from fifth grade to middle school and junior high grades by adopting a new math textbook published by Houghton Mifflin for grades four through six. This change brings the math program more in line with the California State math content standards and parent expectations. Activities involving parent meetings and an Open House have also been instituted to provide more information for these students and their families. There is an active Parent Teacher Fellowship involved in supporting the school through fundraisers; by organizing luncheons, parent/child events and arranging cultural assemblies. Students learn life lessons of spiritual and social responsibility by completing the required twenty hours of Community Service during their eighth grade year. Students are also invited to participate in the CPC's Easter Mexico mission's trip.

Commendations:

1. The committee commends the administration, faculty and students for establishing the community service program of twenty hours for each eighth grade student that not only provides a practical means of fulfilling Christian principles of helping others, but also provides tangible help for needy groups in the community. (Section 3.0, #4, interview).

2. The committee commends the board, administration and faculty for its' careful use of data gathered from a variety of sources, including alumni, parents, and withdrawing families in determining decisions about curriculum, enrollment and objectives for the school. (Section 3.0, #1a,b, and c, and #2 & 3, observation).

5. The committee commends the family equipping management for the offerings of parenting and family Christian based seminars, which encourage parents to follow biblical guidelines at home and for providing resources for parents such as child-rearing books, videos and newsletters all of which foster a partnership between school and home. (School and home, section 3, #4, report page 4,)

Recommendations:

1. The Committee recommends that the Session, board and administration begin developing a long-term plan that will assure provision for projected growth in all grades, while complying with the Danville Conditional Use Limit, so that more children who qualify for admission may attend. (Section 3.0, page 1, #1b, interview)

2. The Committee recommends that the board and principal implement a parent survey alternating yearly between a short version and a more detailed one in order to provide improvement of its policies and practices and to assure that the Academy is meeting the needs of its students. (School report, section 3, page 2, 4, interview, observation)

3. The Committee recommends that the principal and technology staff implement email communication of the Eagle newsletter to better communicate with parents in a more timely and economical manner. (School Report, section 3, page. 4, needed improvements #1, staff interview)

SECTION 4 - SCHOOL PERSONNEL

The "Academy" is comprised of many levels of personnel. The principal is the instructional, spiritual and student leader. He supported by two full-time office staff and a bookkeeper. He works with the parent/teacher/fellowship, both school and church boards and all certified and classified staff.

The Academy's teaching faculty is qualified, competent and are recognized as committed Christian role models. The faculty is committed to "Christian education" and is encouraged to take advantage of on going professional development.

The principal uses the clinical supervision model for teacher observation and faculty is encouraged to complete "self evaluations" as a part of their final evaluation.

The academy is greatly supported by a troop of aides, non-teaching staff who are used for a variety of classroom, teacher and student support.

Teacher specialists who help children learn co-curricular areas also supports the Academy with subjects such as Spanish, art, music, hands-on-science and physical education.

Although there is a sense of faculty longevity, with the recent history of the academy, there has been significant administrative turnover.

Commendations:

1. The Committee commends the parents for their volunteer services and the school aides for their creative support of the classroom environment, which further enrich and support classroom teachers with the instruction, communication, planning, management, safety, activity, and, in general, the "quality of learning" of the entire school. (School Report, page 1, Numbers 1 and 2, et.al., section 4, observation, aide interview)

2. The Committee commends the board for maintaining high Christian standards on campus by requiring all employees, whether certified or classified, to be spiritually mature and grounded in their Christian beliefs. (ACSI standard 4.1.1, teacher application, observation)

3. The Committee commends the administration for the thorough evaluation process. (employee interview, employee autobiographies, Section 4, page 8, #2, A, B, and C, ACSI standard 4.5.1)

Recommendations:

1. The Committee recommends that the board consider strengthening the teacher qualification requirements to include a valid state teaching credential. (School Report, Section 4, p. 8, Number 1, Fifth Bullet, Instructional Staff section, interview)

3. The Committee recommends that the administration, faculty, support staff and all who work for and within the Academy school-environment, have embedded within their 'job descriptions' the Academy's Mission Statement, Philosophy, Goals and Objectives and ESLR'S so that all stakeholders in the Academy community come from the same base of understanding, belief, and responsibility of specific position. (School Report, beginning on page 3, subsection d, and moving to the full section 1300 Job Descriptions, School Personnel, The Job Description section)

4. The Committee recommends that the administration establish peer observations as a constructive method for a staff development tool. Often times, some of our best-learned practices and strategies for teaching can be found in the classroom next door. (Interview, observations)

5. The Committee recommends that the board and administration develop an effective orientation and evaluation procedure for substitute teachers in order to ensure quality and consistency in the instructional program throughout the school.

(School Report, 4.0 School Personnel p 4, #6a, b; Interview)

6. The Committee recommends that the administration develop a schedule for yearly reviews of non-instructional staff ensuring supervision and evaluation practices that are consistent throughout the Academy. (School Report School Personnel 4.0, Non-Instructional Staff p12, 13, #2e; Observation; Interview)

7. The Committee recommends that the administration develop a formal, appropriate, measurable and purposeful description of "grade level" coordinators, which would include stipend, specific responsibilities relating to sharing of school culture, history and tradition. (Interview/observation - no recorded reference) MAJOR RECOMMENDATION

ECTION 5.0 - INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

The Academy instructional program is based on a curriculum guide, which is updated as new curriculum is adopted. Changes to curriculum are made after parent input, teacher evaluations and assessments are completed. The Academy uses a combination of Christian and public school textbook publishers. Portions of the curriculum are aligned with state standards.

Teachers employ an effective variety of instructional strategies and faculty is supported by a variety of specialists and aides. Standardized achievement scores indicate that students are performing beyond grade level.

While the school has adopted Expected School-wide Learning Results, a more thorough analysis would assist in the review of curricular effectiveness.

Commendations:

1. The committee commends the faculty and students for the high scores in Bible on the 2004 Stanford Achievement Tests, indicating diligent teaching, receptive hearts and meaningful preparation for future spiritual challenges. (Section #5, page 27, #6, graph ACSI standards 5.1.1).

2. The committee commends the administration and faculty for the consistent effort at teaching strong Biblical principles that are foundational and age appropriate. (Section #5, page 26, ACSI standard 5.1, K-5 Bible observation)

3. The committee commends the teachers and students for their delivery and mastery of the Academy's curriculum as evidenced by their outstanding overall performance on the Stanford Achievement Test. (school report, section 5, page 30, school report supplementary data section 5 SAT 10, class composite scores) MAJOR COMMENDATION

4. The committee commends the Language Arts and reading staff for using a variety of assessments to evaluate student progress thus addressing the varied learning styles of the students. (Section #5, page 30) WASC standard, Instructional Program B-3, interview

5. The committee commends the Language Arts and Reading staff for their use of enrichment activities that enable students to practice higher-level thinking skills in a variety of media. (Section #5, page 31, observation)

6. The committee commends the administration and art instructor for mapping a continuous K-8 developmental art program, which allows for appropriate scaffolding of skill development. (Section #5, page 44, #2a&b, interview)

7. The committee commends the administration and leadership advisor for using the "spiritual gifts" inventory, which highlights students' giftedness resulting in student's gifts being matched to leadership needs at the school. (Section #5, page 65, #1, observation)

8. The committee commends the faculty for providing an inquiry-based science curriculum that gives the student opportunities to develop critical thinking skills. (observation and interview)

9. The committee commends the Academy for implementing a sign language program to enhance awareness and appreciation of the deaf culture and community.

(Section 5.0, page 63, interview)

10. The committee commends the music/drama teacher for stepping into a role at the academy mid-year and taking a program in limbo to one that is growing and developing young minds for Christ through the arts. (Interview - Section 5.0 page 40, #1, chapel observation)

Recommendations:

1. The committee recommends that the administration explore the opportunity to expand the middle school elective program beyond a single elective per week and research the potential of offering a daily elective program. (ACSI standard student activities, 7.1, 7.3, observation, interview)

2. The committee recommends that the administration and faculty complete a scope and sequence listing the goals of the school's elective program and identifying the specific objectives of each elective offered and include the document in the school curriculum guide. (ACSI standard student activities, 7.1, 7.3, SRVCA curriculum guide)

3. The committee recommends that the administrator and faculty advisor research and consider participating in student leadership conferences, which will further develop an idea bank for expanding student leadership activities. (Section 5, page 65, #2a&b, interview)

4. The committee recommends that the administration, science and math teacher review the use of the lab facilities on an ongoing basis resulting in the effective use of facility and equipment by all appropriate classes. (observation, interview)

5. The committee recommends that the middle school faculty staff utilize the computer lab more frequently, allowing students a greater opportunity for assistance in writing research papers, which will better prepare students for work in high school and beyond. (Section # 5, page 53, interview, observation)

6. The committee recommends that the administration and Language Arts' faculty evaluate the current curriculum to include materials that use language familiar with today's students. (Section #5, page 52 #2a and page 30 #2 - interviews with faculty)

7. The committee recommends that the sign language teacher be encouraged to take advantage of supplementary activities which might include a field trip to the Fremont School of the deaf, attending a deaf community play or attend a function which sign language is the primary language spoken, so that the children can be immersed in the culture of the deaf community. (Section 5, page 63, #5, interview)

8 . The committee recommends that the board and administration develop a written, articulate and well-defined vision statement that will direct the school's mission and philosophy to the next generation. (Section #1, page 4, #3, observation)

SECTION 6.0 LIBRARY, MEDIA RESOURCES & TECHNOLOGY

The media center at the Academy contains collection of titles for a variety of age groups. It uses a variety of sources to ensure that the children have new and up-to-date copies of fiction, non-fiction and research material, which include a recently published 2005 The World Book of Encyclopedias. The computer lab is a separate facility and there is no access to electronic media for the students in the library.

The media center has not been utilized as a center for student research as a critical component of the academic program.

Commendations:

1. The committee commends the technology coordinator for the development of a comprehensive school technology plan that defines the philosophy of the technology department, establishes goals, and defines the desired uses of technology to support the academic program at the Academy. This will lead to students who are well prepared to meet the challenges of future academic and vocational pursuits. (School Report Section 6.0, Attachments, Technology Plan, ACSI standard 6.2.2)

2. The committee commends the school board and the administration for the provision of a technology contingency fund, equal to 1/3 the cost of a new computer lab, in the annual budget that will ensure that the Academy can provide access to current technology for its students. (Section 6.0, #1, page 2 ACSI standards 6.2.1, 6.1.1)

3. The committee commends the librarian for the training and regular use of volunteers to help in the library, making it possible to enhance use of the library at each grade level by reading to younger children, assisting with inventory, processing books and helping with book fairs. (Section #6, page 3, #2a, interview)

4. The committee commends the librarian for the effort to add over 3,000 volumes to the library in the past seven years, making the use of the library even more relevant to every day learning of the students as well as enhancing opportunities for "pleasure reading" at the appropriate grade levels. (Section #6, 8a, ACSI standard 6.1.1, interview and observation)

Recommendations:

2. The committee recommends that the school librarian research the options for the addition of a computer database of the library collection available to students. (Section 6.0, page 9 #a; interview)

SECTION 7.0 STUDENT SERVICES

Student Services at the Academy occur to provide students the opportunity to develop God-given abilities outside the regular classroom environment. Student activities include supportive academic events such as spelling bees, creative writing festivals, speech meets and math olympics.

Various sport and fine art activities are represented through opportunities such as softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, track, musicals and drama.

The student council is active and provides strong positive student leadership for the school.

The teaching staff at the Academy provides consistent and ongoing guidance for their students but is able to refer students and families to the CPC counseling center on campus.

Student health services are provided to all students for the purpose of meeting the student's spiritual, academic, social and physical needs. These services encompass emergency preparedness, safety awareness, and daily attention to student health.

Commendations:

1. The committee commends the administration and faculty for creating, budgeting, scheduling, transporting, and encouraging participation in a wide range of activities within the academic, fine-arts, athletics, student council, cultural, outdoor education and field trip domains, affording students the opportunity of myriad life experiences to develop their God-given talents and interests.

(School Report, section 7A pages 1 - 7, observation )

2. The committee commends the administration and faculty for developing a very wide range of guidance, career, testing and parent awareness programs, which profoundly influence the home-school awareness of and communication regarding academic progress, career opportunities, and ongoing development in social, spiritual, academic, and physical areas of the students at the Academy.

(School Report, section 7B, pages 1 - 3, sections 1 - 4, observation)

3. The committee commends the administration, faculty and staff for in-service training annually in the use of universal precautions and the danger of contact with potential blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases, visual, auditory, and scoliosis screening, first aid and CPR updates, and child abuse reporting affording mental, spiritual, physical and emotional wellness and health for students and employees.

(School Report, section 7C pages 1 - 5, questions 1 - 8, all sections, Student Services, observation)

4. The Committee commends the administration, advisors and coaches for integrating biblical principles within the activities program in order to encourage Christ-like conduct. (School Report, 7.0 Student Services - Student Activities p5, #6; Observation; Interview)

5. The Committee commends the student council leadership for joyfully directing the activities program of the Academy in a Christ-like manner, for representing the student body with enthusiasm, encouragement and a servants' heart, and for being self-directed, visionary and effective in carrying out a comprehensive activities program for the Academy. (Section 7 page 1 #1 and 2 a and b; observation; Interview)

Recommendations:

1. The committee recommends that the administration continue to provide both updated information and training regarding Child Abuse Reporting laws allowing teaching faculty and non-instructional personnel the opportunity of staying apprised of current trends and issues, ultimately meeting the Academy Mission Statement and Goals and Objectives. (School Report, section 7C, pages 2 & 3, citation from Teacher Handbook, page 2 "Our Mission Statement" and "SRVCA Goals and Objectives" under section 1.0 PHILOSOPHY AND FOUNDATIONS, Student Services, The Student Health section, and The Philosophy and Foundations)

2. The committee recommends that the administration store confidential student information in a separate location in order to maintain the confidentiality of the documentation. ( section 7-B, page 3, observation)

SECTION 8 - SUPPORT SERVICES

Support services are included in a school to enhance the overall program as well as to ensure safety throughout the school's community. San Ramon Valley Christian Academy uses parents to provide transportation needs for field trips, school sporting events and outdoor education trips. A coach service is sometimes used. The principal has established a set of standards for parent drivers with all required documentation kept on file in the Academy office. The school contracts with Heaven Scent Catering to provide students with a nutritious lunch. Paid staff and parent volunteers have oversight of this program. The Academy has a Crisis Management Plan that is regularly reviewed and updated as needed. This Plan describes specific actions to be taken that would result from a variety of threats to students or buildings and from natural disasters. The Honeywell Instant Alert System is in place to immediately notify parents via voice or data systems should an emergency arise. The Community Presbyterian Counseling Center is used to provide counseling services to the school when any crisis situation surfaces. The Center is made up of well-qualified and experienced therapists and counselors.

Commendations:

1. The Committee commends the administration, staff and parent volunteers for their work in providing oversight of the lunchroom and maintaining its cleanliness and orderliness resulting in a smooth running of the food service program. (School Report, Section 8B, page1, observation)

2. The Committee commends the board, safety Committee and administration for contracting with an emergency system monitored by Honeywell that sends instant messages to parents via cell phone, text messaging system, home/work phone or email in the event of an emergency thus maintaining excellent communication with parents.

(School Report: Section 8C, Safety and Crisis Planning p. 3, 5, Interview)

3. The Committee commends CPC for the use of their counseling center for dealing with crisis that may affect Academy students, providing a valuable resource to community families. (Section 8C, Safety and Crisis Planning p. 4, 5, Interview)

Recommendations:

1. The Committee recommends that the Academy investigate the purchase and installation of a school wide communication system that allows effective communication throughout the entire Academy campus. (Section 8C p. 4, 5, Interview)

SECTION 9 - SCHOOL FACILITIES

The Academy uses the campus of the Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) located in the heart of Danville . The church provides a clean, safe and a spacious facility appropriate for Christian day school education. There is a positive working relationship between the school and the church ministries. The facilities consist of adequate playground space and structures that are age appropriate. The physical plant consist of 18 classrooms, library, lunchroom, gymnasium, music room, office space, ample storage space, and a Sanctuary that comfortably meets all the school's demands.

Commendations:

1. The Committee commends the custodial staff for providing and sustaining clean facilities that meet the educational needs of the students and accomplish the mission and goals of the school. ( ACSI standard 9.1, observation)

2. The Committee commends the Community Presbyterian Church for the generous provision of a first class, educational facility, utilized by the Academy, which allows the community of Danville to take advantage of a Christ-centered education. (Section 9, page 6, #3g, observation)

Recommendations:

1. The committee recommends that the CPC facilities manager and administration review and identify strategic locations to place directional signs in order to assist persons not familiar with the campus to arrive at their destinations.