Western Commission continues accreditation process with Alataua Lua Elementary School

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Another public elementary school in the territory has been granted “Initial Accreditation Status” by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC.).

This time, its Alataua Lua Elementary School, accredited through June 30, 2026 in an action taken during the Summer 2023 Commission Meeting. And this decision 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 letter to school principal, Nelda B. Uti.

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

According to the letter, the self-study training will be provided and Centers/ Programs will be expected to have key staff participate in these training sessions.

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

Uti was also informed that accreditation status is conditioned upon Alataua Lua Elementary's continued adherence with the ACS WASC policies, procedures, and criteria for accreditation.

One accreditation requirement, said Gaudi, 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 is that schools and districts annually contribute members to participate on visiting committees,” Gaudi explained. “This is particularly helpful to newly accredited schools in order to gain a better understanding of the accreditation process.”

According to the letter, new members can sign up to serve on a visiting committee on the ACS WASC website at www.acswasc.org. And failure to maintain compliance with policies, procedures, and standards is grounds for modification and/ or withdrawal of accreditation.

The 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 your accreditation has either lapsed or been denied.

Furthermore, transcripts of students who are graduating or transferring from grades covered by the accreditation may be stamped or embossed with the ACS WASC accredited seal which can be obtained from the ACS WASC office, or the "Accredited by.." phrase can be typed on the transcript.

In closing, Gaudi said, the Commission looks forward to Alataua Lua Elementary's anticipated success and continuing improvement in keeping with ACS WASC's pursuit of excellence in elementary, secondary, and adult education.