The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is an organization which accredits high schools. The easiest way to explain this is to say that they certify to colleges and universities that an accredited school offers a high-quality, comprehensive educational program.  WASC accreditation lets admissions officers know that the school's transcripts are consistent with other accredited institutions. Intangibly, WASC accreditation is also a way to let the public and community know that their school is accomplishing its mission in preparing students for life after high school. Typically, WASC grants accreditation for a six-year period. Every six years, accredited schools must undergo a rigorous self-study process, prepare a report, develop an action plan based on their findings, and host a visiting committee of educators who come to verify the veracity of the self-study, and report back to WASC.

Dos Pueblos High School was last accredited in 2004 meaning that we are due for another visit. Since August 2008, our faculty and staff have been engaged in our self-study. Focus groups examined in detail our vision, purpose, and governance; our curriculum; our instruction; our assessment and accountability, and our school culture and student support systems. Staff made an honest appraisal of our school--in what we areas we are doing well and in what areas we have room to grow. From this self-study, we wrote our Focus on Learning report and developed an action plan to guide our school improvement efforts over the next six years. Our action plan was developed specifically to align with our Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), with the Santa Barbara School Districts' Board Focus Goals, and our Local Educational Agency Plan (LEAP).

Beginning Sunday, February 28 and continuing through Wednesday, March 3, our WASC Visiting Committee will be on campus meeting with parents, community partners, teachers, counselors, administrators, and classified staff. They will also be visiting classrooms and reviewing documentation. We are excited to welcome these visitors to our campus and look forward to hearing their assessment of our school and programs. We anticipate learning our recommended term of accreditation in June. Stay tuned!