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Two local high schools and one elementary issued accreditations

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reporterss@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC) has issued accreditations for three public schools — Faleasao Elementary, Samoana and Nu’uuuli Vocational Technical high schools.

The accreditations were outlined in three separate letters — all dated June 25th — from Commission chairperson, Gregory A. Franklin to the principals of each school. The letters identical in wording, state that ACS WASC Commissioners have determined that each school meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation. And the decision was made during the summer meeting.

“This accreditation status is based on all of the information provided by the school, including the school's report, and the satisfactory completion of the accreditation visit,” Franklin wrote, noting that the decision of the Commission to grant six-year accreditation status with a two-year mid-cycle visit, through June 30, 2027.

Each school was informed that they are required to prepare an in-depth progress report for the Mid-cycle Visit. The letter says the report and visit should demonstrate that the school has:

•           addressed the critical areas for follow-up through the school-wide action plan;

•           made appropriate progress on the implementation of the school-wide action plan; and

•           improved student achievement relative to the school-wide learner outcomes and the academic standards.

According to Franklin, the accreditation status is conditioned upon each school’s continued adherence with the ACS WASC policies, procedures, and criteria for accreditation.

And this includes a requirement that an accredited school annually contribute members to participate on visiting committees. “Failure to maintain compliance with said policies, procedures, and standards is grounds for modification and/or withdrawal of the accreditation,” Franklin explained.

According to the accreditation letters, the Commission looks forward to each school’s anticipated success and continuing improvement in keeping with ACS WASC's pursuit of excellence in elementary, secondary, and adult education.

Local Education director, Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli posted a message on the ASDOE website expressing appreciation and congratulations to the three public schools.

The letters were addressed to Faleasao Elementary principal Senerita Si'imalevai; Samoana High School principal Esekielu Foleni; and Nu’uuli VocTech High School principal Valasi Apulu.