Tafuna Elementary obtains “Initial Accreditation Status” thru June 2026

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC) has granted “Initial Accreditation Status” for Tafuna Elementary School, through June 30, 2026.

This decision, made during the Summer 2023 Commission Meeting “is based on all of the information provided by the school, including the school’s report, and the satisfactory completion of the accreditation visit,” wrote Commission chairperson, R. David Gaudi Jr. in a June 29, 2023 letter to school principal, Mine Lilomaiava Taufetee.

Gaudi explained that prior to the end of this initial accreditation period, schools must complete a self-study assessment and submit a self-study report, including the progress made in meeting the recommendations of the initial visiting committee.

Self-study training will be provided and Centers/ Programs will be expected to have key staff participate in these training sessions, Gaudi said.

Additionally, an ACS WASC visiting committee will conduct a site visit to review the self-study findings and supporting evidence, conduct classroom observations, and dialogue with all stakeholders.

Furthermore, the committee will evaluate the programs and operations and the impact on student learning.

Gaudi made clear in the letter that accreditation status is conditioned upon Tafuna Elementary School's continued adherence with the ACS WASC policies, procedures, and criteria for accreditation.

One accreditation requirement is the obligation of schools to notify ACS WASC of any changes, which might be substantive in nature with an explanation of the change and the anticipated effect on the educational program.

Another accreditation requirement, wrote Gaudi, is that schools and districts annually contribute members to participate on visiting committees. He explained that this is particularly helpful to newly accredited schools in order to gain a better understanding of the accreditation process.

New members can sign up to serve on a visiting committee on the ACS WAS website at www.acswasc.org.

“Failure to maintain compliance with said policies, procedures, and standards is grounds for modification and/ or withdrawal of accreditation,” Gaudi pointed out.

He noted that approval of initial accreditation entitles the school to use the following phrase on transcripts or in school advertising: Fully Accredited by (or) Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, until such time as the school’s accreditation has either lapsed or been denied.

The principal was also informed that transcripts of students who are graduating or transferring from grades covered by the accreditation may be stamped or embossed with the ACS WAS accredited seal which can be obtained from the ACS WAS office, or the "Accredited by ..." phrase can be typed on the transcript.

“The Commission looks forward to Tafuna Elementary School's anticipated success and continuing improvement in keeping with ACS WASC's pursuit of excellence in elementary, secondary, and adult education,” Gaudi concluded.

The accreditation letter was publicly released this week by the local Education Department on its social media platforms and has received positive reactions from the community.