HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The Guam Department of Education has succeeded in maintaining national accreditation despite the many challenges it faces.
Sen. Chris Barnett, the chair of the legislative committee on education, recognized the achievement in a statement issued Thursday.
“GDOE’s commitment, capacity and competence to improve our students’ learning meets the rigorous review of (Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation. This was done even though GDOE faced a pandemic, changes in leadership and the challenges of Typhoon Mawar.”
The ACS, WASC extended GDOE’s accreditation for prekindergarten through 12th grade to June 30, 2030. According to GDOE, a midcycle report will be required in the 2026-2027 academic year.
At that time, GDOE will need to show how schools addressed three areas: the growth areas for continuous improvement through the schoolwide action plan, appropriate progress on the implementation of the schoolwide action plan and improved student achievement – relative to the schoolwide learner outcomes and academic standards.
Barnett, who has been critical of the department, saw the achievement as a testament to the ability to improve.
“We can achieve the improvements to our students’ learning and learning environments we can be proud of. Every day, people who care about our kids are working hard to get the job done and deliver an education our students deserve. That’s what this accreditation means. A lot of good people on Guam are stepping up for our schools, and that’s something to be thankful for,” Barnett said.
The ASC, WASC team conducted an on-site visit in May 2023, Barnett accompanied team members on a tour of Inarajan Elementary School.
“The visiting team was impressed with the help our schools and students get from parents, students’ families, volunteers and (parent-teacher organizations),” Barnett said.
The six-year accreditation, however, isn’t going to get the senator off GDOE’s back.
“There are always going to be more improvements to make. We have to keep the focus on our schools, so we can keep moving forward for our students. I know improvements can’t come quick enough, but they are coming. I’m going to keep pushing for improvements, progress and accountability from GDOE for our students,” Barnett said.
Superintendent Erik Swanson, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership, said in a GDOE press release, “This is a wonderful achievement for our team. We are thrilled to see the results of our collective efforts and commitment to improving the learning outcomes for our island students. Our systemwide strategic plan has been implemented with passion and excellence by our students, teachers, principals and the central office. We are very proud of this accomplishment and look forward to more successes in the future.”
The Guam Department of Education headquarters in Tiyan is seen on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023.
