ALJC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION DEPARTMENT EVALUATIVE CRITERIA AND STANDARDS

Transcription

1 ALJC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION DEPARTMENT EVALUATIVE CRITERIA AND STANDARDS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DEPARTMENT OFFICE 1093 CORE ROAD, PARKERSBURG, WV OFFICE FAX DIRECTOR: DR. JOE L. NELSON 1

2 Purpose of the ALJC Christian Education Accreditation and Certification Department The Christian School Accreditation and Certification Department is primarily a service organization. Its function is not to supervise the daily operation of the school or to supervise the administration. In other words, the Department does not operate the school. Evaluation is made basically on the academic and spiritual standards and potential of the school. Therefore, the basis for the accreditation is primarily a combination of spiritual and academic excellence. Certification is provided for both administration and teachers. The purpose of Christian Educators certification is to seek the approval of others of like precious faith. The general public looks upon certification as synonymous with qualification. It adds to the professional image of the church-school staff in the eyes of the public. It will give the local church staff recognition as certified Christian educators. We are telling young people that we can furnish them with an education superior to the public school system. So, to us, it should be stressed that it is, in fact, biblical to educate our youth. We must see that they are learning daily not only math, English, science and social studies but that the biblical standards are an essential part of education; these standards being those supported by the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. The primary basis for the ALJC Accreditation and Certification Department is to do our part to support and serve the churches that are carrying out their responsibility in the education of their youth; to develop a registry and reputation of being superior in education and spiritual development. The ALJC is duly chartered with and recognized by the government of the United States. The Christian Education Department has been authorized by the voting membership of this organization to issue Certificates of Accreditation to those schools who meet the required standards. This will greatly enhance the standing of the school in the eyes of both the public and government officials. This point needs to be clearly understood. Accreditation by the Department does not mean the Department supervises, nor does it mean controls the school. Accreditation serves in removing the stigma with which public school officials label Christian schools It s not an accredited school. 2

3 Accreditation will provide the public school officials with a basis to form respect and gain confidence that the Christian school can do the job. As the state ( powers that be ) increases in hostility against the Christian school development, accreditation can give the Christian school strength in unity before government officials. Accreditation serves notice that the Christian school is responsible to its duties and is quite capable of policing itself. Accreditation will gain you more students that accreditation will cost you, so it s a worthy investment. The Department is established to provide a service of helping Christian schools achieve academic excellence. The Department can advise and consult but cannot control. The evaluation procedure consists of having the applicant school complete the forms provided by the department. Your school may or may not get a visit from your district Christian School Director. If your district does not have a Christian School Director, your evaluation will be handled by the national director. The further purpose of having this Department would be the direct opportunity for private Christian academic achievement. To have an ongoing, day-to-day study of the Apostolic teaching. The Department would provide the opportunity for new schools to meet a defined educational criterion and would also recommend materials and procedures to insure a proper spiritual and educational growth and development. The purpose of the Department is not to limit or restrict accepted educational practices of individual schools, but rather to define in a practical sense the operation, instruction and over-all picture that these schools present. The Department is a direct answer to the question raised in various sectors that non-public schools in some areas are not maintaining acceptable academic standards and as a result, have been defined as diploma mills, non-accredited institutions, and fly-by-night operations. It is intended that this Department will evaluate and set up guidelines for accreditation for private Apostolic church schools. Direct involvement in the evaluation and accreditation of these schools will be the responsibility of individuals of like precious faith. This in itself would justify the existence of such an organization. Also, it is noted that in our educational society there is such a variety of approaches to education that these specific standards and criteria for evaluation must take these perspectives into consideration and that an onsight evaluation may be needed and helpful to your ministry. 3

4 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS The accrediting by the Department will be based on the evaluation of the school by the necessary forms being completed each year and/or a visit. The Department will be guided by the over-all picture that the school presents. The school should provide a happy environment in which children are given the opportunity for maximum growth and all around development. In the evaluation of a school, the efficiency of learning, the quality of instruction, the acquired habits of thought and study, the general intellectual and moral level of the school will be considered of great importance. EXPLANATION OF THE TERM ACADEMIC STANDARD The Department considers an academic standard to be a level of achievement that should be attained by a satisfactorily functioning school. Ideally, these standards should be met in all areas of school operation. The failure of a school to meet one or more of these standards does not however necessarily preclude accreditation. Therefore, standards should be understood to serve the Department as points of reference and comparison in appraising the over-all effectiveness of a school. We recommend any Christian curriculum material and feel that it should be implemented and carried out per the instructions of the producer. EXPLANATION OF THE TERM SPIRITUAL STANDARD Evaluation will be made on the prospectus presented to the Department. The prospectus should cover the programs being used in the different chronological grade categories that educate the students to the biblical plan of salvation, holiness, witnessing and the godhead. There should be a well-policed program that would involve all age groups in the biblical responsibilities of personal evangelism. With age, this involvement should become in-depth to instill a greater degree of steadfastness in the Apostles doctrine. 4

5 There should be a well balanced program of involvement for school students to have active parts in school chapel and regular church services. This should carry a grading system to measure each student s achievement in spiritual matters. PROCEDURE FOR ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION 1. To be fully accredited the school must be in operation for two years in order to establish a school record. If school has been in operation two years when application has been made, then full accreditation can be granted upon evaluation. 2. When application is made by a new school the following procedures will be followed: 1 st year The school operates as an approved school. The school will be visited and requirements for accreditation will be explained. 2 nd year The evaluation is based on the data gathered in yearly forms and a visit. 3. Accreditation will involve two types of ratings: Single A A Double A AA A school can go from A to AA when criteria is met. PROCEDURES FOR AA RATING 1. Acquire an SAT or ACT school code number 2. Principal must: A. Have a minimum of a Bachelor s degree from a Bible or secular College B. Attend ALJC National Apostolic Christian School Competition 3. Teachers (supervisors, monitors, etc.) must A. Have or are working toward their Bachelor s degree B. Have applied for teacher certification from ALJC Christian Education Accreditation and Certification Department 5

6 4. Dress requirements must be published in school student handbook 5. Complete ALJC yearly data form and return to administrative office yearly 6. Use a standardized achievement test to show yearly academic growth of students. Must maintain yearly testing schedule without interruption 7. School grade average should not be less than 84% 8. Maintain the proposed schedule of curriculum growth recommended by curriculum supplier 9. Involvement in a district or national event for interaction with other schools 10. Encourage students to participate in SAT and ACT testing. Retain scores in student s personal file TEACHER CERTIFICATION Types and Requirements of Certification 1. Temporary Certificate 1 st year in Christian education with no secular or Bible college degrees. Must have completed training of curriculum supplied. This is to be renewed every two years. 2. Presently involved in Christian Education with an Associate or Bachelor degree. Has completed training of curriculum supplied. Must be working towards Bachelors degree if Associate has been obtained. This is to be renewed every two years. 3. Minister of Christian Education For pastors or school pastor given if minister holds license in ALJC with strong recommendation to complete degree work. This is to be renewed every two years. 4. Masters of Christian Education Minimum of 10 years in the ministry or a minimum of 10 years in a professional field of employment that would be conducive to administrative affairs. A degree from a Bible or secular college with at least two years experience in Christian education. This is to be renewed every two years. 6

7 SCHEDULE OF FEES School Accreditation: $1.00 per student per year $25.00 with application Certification Certificates: $10.00 with all application $10.00 with all renewals Renewals: Accreditation: Annually based on enrollment of January 1. Certification: Bi-annually renewed by calendar year, Jan-Dec. Failure Clause: Failure to send in the appropriate forms on time along with the appropriate fees will cause school to lose all standing with the ALJC Accreditation and Certification Department. If school is not current with its fees and information, the department will not be responsible for supporting school position if questioned by any authority. BIBLE COLLEGE & CURRICULUM ENDORSEMENT Mail application and college catalogue or other promotional material forms showing the school s majors and the following data: Semester hours* required for : Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Master Degree Other Degrees Diplomas Certificates Include a schedule of how you derive at credit hours if you offer Life Skill credits for External Degrees. 7

8 Correspondence program must provide equivalent hours and show method of testing. Must provide a breakdown of required hours in each academic area for each degree. *A semester hour is the actual in class time per student per week for an average of 15 weeks per semester. Fees for Bible College will be the same as day schools. See above Schedule. SEALS Seals for high school and college diplomas are available upon request for participating schools. PUBLICITY POLICY There will be no records released or reports made that would give names of people or churches without written consent of those involved. 8

9 Application for Accreditation Christian Education Department Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ 1. Date of Application: 2. Name of School: 3. Address of School: 4, Telephone #: Fax: 5. Length of time under present auspices: 6. Administrative head of school other than pastor: Name: Telephone: Address: City/St: College Attended & Degree Earned: Educational experience: Three references (one of whom must be professional) How long in the Ministry? In Education Training 7. Type of school (check all that apply) Day Boarding Day & Boarding Boys Only Girls Only Co-Educational 8. Number of teachers: Full time Part time 9

10 9. How many teachers left staff at end of last school year? 10. How many teachers joined staff at beginning of this year? 11. List names of all professional staff members showing their duties and qualifications. Please use separate sheet of paper. 12. List requirements for graduation: 13. Does your graduation requirements meet or exceed state requirements? 14. If graduation requirements do not meet state requirements, please explain why and how do they differ. Use separate sheet of paper. 15. Do you graduate students any other way than those listed in # 12? If yes, explain. 16. What type of curriculum is used? 17. Is curriculum used as recommended by publisher? Yes No If no, please explain. Use separate sheet of paper. 18. Please give your definition of a full time student. Grades or Age Number of Length of # of Days Groups Covered Pupils School Day in School Year Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Secondary Total When submitting this application, please enclose the following: A. Copy of school handbook B. Appropriate fees Prepared By: Title: Date: 10

11 Application for Certification Christian Education Department Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ Date of Application: Name: Telephone: Address: City, State & Zip Code: Date of Birth: Type of certificate requested: Level of certificate requested: Teacher Administrator Elementary Secondary If in the ministry, how long? College Attended: Address : Dates: Degrees: Employment History: Title of Job From: To: Description: Other Special Training: I certify that the above information is accurate and that I subscribe to the Christian Education accreditation and Certification Department s statement of faith. Applicant s Signature: 11

12 Approval of Applicant by the Principal (or other person to whom applicant is directly responsible.) This is to verify that the named applicant is employed for the 20 - school year by our school and is recommended by me as being qualified for the certificate requested. Name of School: Telephone: Address: City, State & Zip Code: Signature: Date: Title: STATEMENT OF FAITH We believe in the inspiration of the Bible (Both the Old and New Testaments); the creation of man by the direct act of God; the incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We believe in baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ; the infilling of the Holy Ghost, with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues; living a life of holiness at all times; the second coming of our Lord and Saviour after his bride, the church. 12

13 Yearly Data Form Christian Education Department Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ Date: School Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Fax#: Telephone #: Pastor: Degree: Principal: Degree: Years of Operation: ( Following information is for previous school year) Student Total New Returning Grades Enrollment: Staff: Staff: Staff: Offered: Teacher/Student Number of Number taking School Composite Ratio: Graduates: SAT or ACT Score: Number of Students Number of Students Number of Students Attending College: in State College: Going Out of State: Yearly Achievement Test Given: Yes No If yes, which tests: If no, how often are test given: Yearly Staff Training: Yes No If no, how often is staff retrained: All staff presently certified by ALJC Accreditation and Certification Dept.? Yes No If no, are they applying now? Yes No 13

14 Type of curriculum used : Sports Program: Yes No If yes, describe in detail. Use separate paper if necessary List requirements for graduation: 13. Do they meet or exceed state requirements? Yes No 14. If not, why and how do they differ? Use separate sheet for explanation. 15. Do you graduate students any other way that those listed in #12.? If yes, explain. 16. Is curriculum used as recommended by publisher? Yes No If no, explain. 17. Please give your definition of a full-time student: Grades or Age Number of Length of # of Days Groups Covered Pupils School Day in School Year Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Secondary Total When submitting this application, please enclose the following: A. Copy of school handbook B. Appropriate fees Prepared By: Title: Date: 14

15 ALJC Bible College Accreditation and Certification Department Christian Education Department Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ 1093 Core Road, Parkersburg, WV (Office) (Fax) Director: Dr. Joe L. Nelson Outline of Accrediting procedure for Pastors and Churches desiring to accredit a Bible College. Please submit the following information: 1. Name of institution 2. Sponsoring Church, Address & phone number 3. Mission Statement: A clear statement of mission 4. Government: Names of your governing board 5. Academic program: This should show an academic spread of courses to obtain degree in the following majors: Christian Education, Counseling, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Administration. The academic program should show Your grading procedures. 6. Degrees offered: Hours required, Hours per quarter and Semester Hours 7. Copy of School catalogue 8. Learning Resources: A college must have learning resources to support the course, programs and degrees offered. 9. Admissions policy 10. Program Completion: A college must have a time for graduation and a fix schedule for a commencement program. 11. Alignment policy: The college must sign a statement to align itself with the articles of faith set forth by the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. 12. Fill out accreditation application: Mail to Christian School Department with check in the amount set forth in the application. 13. Mail yearly data sheet to department. 15

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