Accrediting Commission for Schools - WASC Accreditation - Self-Study Visiting Committee Chair Resources


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Serving on a Visiting Committee: Self-Study Visiting Committee Chair Resources

The Visiting Committee Chair is the keeper of the vision regarding the value of the accreditation process as well as the manager of the details of the visit. The chair is viewed as a coach, working with the schools in this ongoing improvement process.

There are chairs for a variety of different types of visits including the following: initial visits, full self-study visits, revisits, and midterm visits. The materials listed below pertain to full Self-Study Visits.

Please visit the Revisits and Review page on our website for information pertaining to other types of WASC visits.

Full Self-Study Visit Chair Resources

Helpful materials are provided for your use. Select the appropriate protocol link for a list of PDF and Word files.

	WASC FOL	WASC Focus on Learning (2010 Edition) WASC Focus on Learning (2009 Edition)
	WASC/CDE	WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process, California Public Comprehensive and Charter Schools (2011 Edition) WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process, California Public Comprehensive and Charter Schools (2009 Fall Update Edition)
	WASC Postsecondary	WASC Guide to Evaluating Postsecondary Institutions (2011 Edition)
	EARCOS	Focus on Learning for East Asia (2009 Edition)
	WASC/AWSNA	WASC/AWSNA, Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
	WASC/DOE	WASC/Hawaii Department of Education, Joint WASC and Hawaii Department of Education Process
	WASC/SDA	WASC/SDA, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventists
	WASC SEP	WASC Supplementary Education Programs
	WASC/WCEA Elementary	WCEA/WASC Process for School Improvement for Catholic Elementary Schools
	WASC/WCEA Secondary	Focus on Learning for Catholic High Schools, WASC/WCEA Adaptation


	WASC Focus on Learning (2010 Edition)
	WASC Focus on Learning, 2010 Edition Note: This section contains templates, samples, and reference materials for WASC FOL 2010 Edition process only; these materials are NOT for California Public schools.
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word or PowerPoint Format) Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. Schedule for Visit Template WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC FOL Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template [WASC FOL 2010 only; NOT for California public schools] \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC FOL Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template [WASC FOL 2010 only; NOT for California public schools] \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chair Checklist Accreditation Term Determination Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Accreditation Term Explanation Accreditation Visit Information California-Only Blank Expense Voucher Sample Schedule for Full Visit Sample WASC FOL Documentation and Justification Statement Sample WASC FOL Visiting Committee Report Visiting Committee Report Format WASC VC Report Layout WASC VC and SS Report Correlation Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: Schoolwide Criteria Reference Card 4: Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: Accreditation Term Determination Reference Card 6: Criteria Concepts

	WASC Focus on Learning (2009 Edition)
	WASC Focus on Learning, 2009 Edition Note: This section contains templates, samples, and reference materials for WASC FOL 2009 Edition process only; these materials are NOT for California Public schools.
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word or PowerPoint Format) Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template Schedule for Visit Template WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC FOL Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template [WASC FOL 2009 only; NOT for California public schools] WASC FOL Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template [WASC FOL 2009 only; NOT for California public schools] WASC Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chair Checklist Accreditation Term Determination Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Accreditation Term Explanation Accreditation Visit Information California-Only Blank Expense Voucher Sample Schedule for Full Visit Sample WASC FOL Documentation and Justification Statement Sample WASC FOL Visiting Committee Report Visiting Committee Report Format WASC VC Report Layout WASC VC and SS Report Correlation Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: Schoolwide Criteria Reference Card 4: Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: Accreditation Term Determination Reference Card 6: Criteria Concepts


	WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process, California Public Comprehensive and Charter Schools (2011 Edition)
	WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process for all California Public Schools, including California Charter Schools, 2011 Edition Note: This section contains templates, samples, and reference materials for the WASC/CDE FOL 2011 Edition process only.
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word or PowerPoint Format) Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. Schedule for Visit Template WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC/CDE Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template [California public schools only] \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC/CDE Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template [California public schools only] \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC/CDE Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chair Checklist Accreditation Term Determination Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Accreditation Term Explanation Accreditation Visit Information California-Only Blank Expense Voucher Sample Schedule for Full Visit Sample WASC/CDE Documentation and Justification Statement Sample WASC/CDE Visiting Committee Report Visiting Committee Report Format WASC/CDE VC Report Layout WASC/CDE VC and SS Report Correlation Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: Schoolwide Criteria Reference Card 4: Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: Accreditation Term Determination Reference Card 6: Criteria Concepts


	WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process, California Public Comprehensive and Charter Schools (2009 Fall Update Edition)
	WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process for all California Public Schools, including California Charter Schools, 2009 Fall Update Edition Note: This section contains templates, samples, and reference materials for the WASC/CDE FOL 2009 Edition process only.
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word or PowerPoint Format) Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template Schedule for Visit Template WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC/CDE Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template [California public schools only; 2009 Fall Edition] WASC/CDE Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template [California public schools only; 2009 Fall Update Edition] WASC/CDE Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chair Checklist Accreditation Term Determination Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Accreditation Term Explanation Accreditation Visit Information California-Only Blank Expense Voucher Sample Schedule for Full Visit Sample WASC/CDE Documentation and Justification Statement Sample WASC/CDE Visiting Committee Report Visiting Committee Report Format WASC/CDE VC Report Layout WASC/CDE VC and SS Report Correlation Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: Schoolwide Criteria Reference Card 4: Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: Accreditation Term Determination Reference Card 6: Criteria Concepts

	WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process for California Public Elementary and Middle/Junior High Schools, including California Charter Schools (2006 Edition)
	Note: Visiting Committees visiting schools using the WASC/CDE Focus on Learning Joint Process for California Public Elementary and Middle/Junior High Schools, including California Charter Schools (2006 Edition) should use the WASC/CDE FOL Visiting Committee, 2006 Edition materials for the visit. Please contact the WASC office if you have any question as to which version of the Visiting Committee materials you should use.


	WASC Guide to Evaluating Postsecondary Institutions, 2011 Edition
	WASC Postsecondary Accreditation Manual, 2011 Edition Note: This document is formatted to be printed as a double-sided document. It can also be printed single-sided; however, please be aware that there will be a number of unnecessary blank pages in the single-sided output. Visiting Committee Templates (Word or PowerPoint Format) WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC Postsecondary Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template WASC Postsecondary Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template WASC Postsecondary Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Postsecondary Accreditation Term Explanation Sample Schedule for Full Visit WASC Postsecondary VC Report Layout


	WASC Focus on Learning for East Asia (EARCOS), 2009 Edition
	WASC Focus on Learning, 2009 Overseas Edition Note: This section contains templates, samples, and references for the WASC FOL process for visits in East Asia (EARCOS).
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word or PowerPoint Format) Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template for Overseas Schools Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template for Overseas Schools Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. Schedule for Overseas Visit Template WASC FOL Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement for Overseas Schools Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC FOL Self-Study Visiting Committee Report for Overseas Schools Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template for Overseas Schools (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) EARCOS Handbook, 2011-12 Edition Visiting Committee Chair Checklist (from WASC FOL for Overseas Schools, pp. 163-170) Accreditation Term Determination WASC Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet, Overseas Edition EARCOS Accreditation Term Explanation Sample WASC FOL Documentation and Justification Statement for Overseas Schools Sample WASC FOL Visiting Committee Report for Overseas Schools Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: WASC Focus on Learning Schoolwide Criteria for Overseas Schools Reference Card 4: WASC Focus on Learning Visiting Committee Report Format for Overseas Schools Reference Card 5: WASC Focus on Learning Accreditation Term Determination for Overseas Schools Reference Card 6: WASC Criteria Concepts for Overseas Schools

	WASC/AWSNA, Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
	AWSNA/WASC Evaluation/Accreditation Guide, 2007 Edition
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word Format) WASC/AWSNA Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter WASC/AWSNA Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC/AWSNA Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chair Checklist Accreditation Term Determination Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Sample Schedule for Full Visit Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: WASC Schoolwide Criteria Reference Card 4: Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: WASC/AWSNA Accreditation Term Determination Reference Card 6: WASC Criteria Guide Questions Reference Card 7: Sample Quality Commendations and Recommendations Reference Card 8: Tips - Commendations and Recommendations


	WASC/Hawaii Department of Education, Joint WASC and Hawaii Department of Education Process (2006-07 Edition)
	Focus on Learning, Joint WASC/Hawaii Department of Education Process Guide, 2006-07 Edition
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word Format) Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC/DOE Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC/DOE Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template \| (NEW) Google Docs Template Note: We recommend the use of the Firefox or Google Chrome browser to use the Google Docs templates; you may experience problems with Internet Explorer. Click here for information on how to use Google Docs. WASC/DOE Visiting Committee Final Presentation Template (PowerPoint file) Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chairperson Checklist Accreditation Term Determination Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Sample WASC/DOE Documentation and Justification Statement Sample WASC/DOE Schedule for Full Visit Sample Visiting Committee Report Visiting Committee Report Format WASC/DOE VC and SS Report Correlation Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: WASC/DOE Schoolwide Criteria Reference Card 4: WASC/DOE Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: WASC/DOE Accreditation Term Determination Reference Card 6: WASC/DOE Criteria Guide Questions


	WASC/SDA, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventists
	WASC/SDA Visiting Committees should use the WASC FOL visiting committee materials for the visit. Please contact the WASC office if you have any questions.


	WASC Supplementary Education Programs
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word Format) WASC Recommendation of Term (Ballot): The preprinted Ballot is only available from the WASC Office and is included in your Chair Packet. Don't forget to bring it to the visit to obtain the necessary signatures from your team. WASC SEP Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement WASC SEP Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template


	WASC/WCEA Process for School Improvement for Catholic Elementary Schools
	Visiting Team Materials can be found on the WCEA website at www.westwcea.org/vistingteam.html or call WCEA at 714.447.9834 for assistance.


	Focus on Learning for Catholic High Schools, WASC/WCEA Adaptation
	WASC/WCEA Focus on Learning for Catholic High Schools, WASC/WCEA Adaptation, 1999 (Criteria Addition - July 2004)
	Visiting Committee Templates (Word Format) WASC/WCEA Previsit Letter to Members: Initial Contact Letter Template WASC/WCEA Previsit Letter to Members: Confirmation Letter Template WASC Previsit Preparation Worksheet Template WASC/WCEA Schedule for Visit for Catholic High Schools Note: The Documentation and Justification Statement in the current WASC/WCEA Focus on Learning manual is the basic WASC version and is available below. We have one that more closely matches the WASC/WCEA criteria for Catholic High Schools and it is also available below. Feel free to use either version. WASC Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template WASC/WCEA Self-Study Documentation and Justification Statement Template WASC/WCEA Self-Study Visiting Committee Report Template WASC/WCEA Visiting Committee Chairperson Evaluation Template WASC/WCEA Visiting Committee Member Evaluation Template References and Samples (PDF Format) Visiting Committee Chair Checklist Accreditation Term Determination WASC Accreditation Term Determination Worksheet Accreditation Term Explanation Sample WASC/WCEA Schedule for Full Visit WASC Sample Documentation and Justification Statement WASC Sample Visiting Committee Report Visiting Committee Report Format WASC VC Report Layout WASC VC and SS Report Correlation Reference Cards (PDF Format) Reference Card 1: Procedures/Responsibilities of Visiting Committee Members Reference Card 2: Tips: Gathering, Reviewing, Analyzing Data/Information Reference Card 3: WASC/WCEA Schoolwide Criteria for Catholic High Schools Reference Card 4: WASC/WCEA Catholic High School Visiting Committee Report Format Reference Card 5: Accreditation Term Determination, WASC/WCEA Focus on Learning Reference Card 6: WASC/WCEA Criteria Concepts for Catholic High Schools


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	As They See It...

	"As always, we found the process of self-study, reflection and dialogue with our visiting committee to be enormously helpful in our school's on-going self- improvement process."
	Paul Chapman, Headmaster Head-Royce School, Oakland, CA

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	Serving on a WASC team is one of the most valuable professional development experiences for an educator. For additional information click here.



	WASC Code of Ethics

	Chair Checklist

	WASC Chair Checklist (2010 Edition)

	WASC/CDE Chair Checklist (2011 edition) WASC/CDE Chair Checklist (2009 Fall Update edition)

	WASC/Hawaii DOE Chair Checklist

	WASC/WCEA High School Chair Checklist

	VC Final Presentations

	WASC VC Final Presentation (PowerPoint format)

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	Training Events

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	Note: The following online training files require Internet Explorer 5.0 (or higher) for viewing. Click here for a free IE6 download. These presentations run best over a high-speed internet connection, please contact the WASC office if you would like a CD containing the training presentation(s).

	WASC FOL Member Training

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