Incirlik Unit School receives accreditation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRILIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  After months of anticipation and on-going preparation, Incirlik's Unit School went through a Quality Assurance Review and passed with flying colors.

For three days, a trained and certified team from AdvancED came to the school and thoroughly examined every aspect of the school's daily operations. By passing the QAR, the school received their accreditation.

"The team assessed almost everything we do here, they even interviewed the students, parents, teachers and community members," said Dr. Terry Greene, IUS principle. "They did this to ensure that we are meeting all the required seven standards put in place for us."

The seven standards include:

1. Vision and purpose
2. Governance and leadership
3. Teaching and learning
4. Documenting and using results
5. Resources and support systems
6. Stakeholder communications and relationships
7. Commitment to continuous Improvement

These standards were built on guidance from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement standards, and are the foundation for both the schools and districts accreditation processes.

"The QAR team said we not only met the standards, but we exceeded them," Doctor Greene said. "They told us we are a model school for continuous improvements, and a great place for kids to learn."

This particular kind of QAR is held every five years to evaluate the schools system's adherence to the standards, ensure they are improving as much a possible, provide quality feedback and recommend schools for accreditation.

"Even though we go through the QAR every five years, we are always prepared," said Yolanda Washington, IUS assistant principle. "There wasn't too much extra we had to prepare for because we are always striving to make our school the very best learning environment for our students as possible."

Faculty members of the IUS keep their classrooms up to standards by following a Continuous Improvement Plan.

"With a CIP, it guarantees that we are constantly evaluating ourselves and coming up with ways to improve how we are providing for our students' education," Ms. Greene said.

"This is a huge deal for IUS," said Col. Eric Beene, 39th Air Base Wing commander. "This just proves they are capable of providing excellent education and are always giving their very best to the students."