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MSA Accreditation
Since November 2008, ABA has been preparing our
Self-Study Report for re-accreditation with Middle
States Association of Colleges and School (MSA). ABA is
the first international school to follow the MSA
Excellence by Design protocol and it has been an
exciting process which fits in very well with the
strategic planning carried out by the Board and the
Superintendent’s Performance Plan.
The Excellence by Design Self-Study requires a
school and its community to carry out a systematic and
thorough self-examination and self-assessment to
determine the quality of the school’s educational
program and services and the results it is achieving in
student performance. The aim is to determine what we do
well at ABA and to identify areas in need of
improvement, as measured against internationally
recognized standards.
The Planning Team which is made up of all stakeholders
(members of the Board, parents, students, teachers and
administrators) reviewed the Mission, Vision and Values
of ABA and as a result of their recommendations the
Board has approved a new Vision:
ABA students achieve their maximum potential in an
environment of intercultural understanding and respect,
to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The Planning Team has developed a new Profile of
Graduates which is based on our
Values. This identifies the qualities and
characteristics that ABA students are expected to
demonstrate by the time they graduate.
ABA’s Profile of Graduates
Graduates have been provided with an international
education of the highest quality to cultivate
the following values:
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Inquiry
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They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire
the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research
and show independence in learning. They actively
enjoy learning and this love of learning will be
sustained throughout their lives.
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Knowledge
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They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have
local and global significance. In so doing, they
acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding
across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. |
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Diversity
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They respect diverse cultures, socio-economic and
religious backgrounds as they encounter and work
with individuals, groups and communities.
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Thinking
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They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills
critically and creatively to recognize and approach
complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical
decisions. |
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Communication
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They understand and express ideas and information
confidently and creatively in more than one language
and in a variety of modes of communication. They
work effectively and willingly in collaboration with
others.
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Integrity
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They act with a strong sense of fairness, justice
and respect for the dignity of the individual,
groups and communities. They take responsibility
for their own actions and the consequences that
accompany them.
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Open-mindedness
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They understand and appreciate their own cultures
and personal histories, and are open to the
perspectives, values and traditions of other
individuals and communities. They are accustomed to
seeking and evaluating a range of points of view,
and are willing to grow from the experience.
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Risk-taking
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They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty
with courage and forethought and have the
independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas
and strategies. They are brave and articulate in
defending their beliefs.
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Reflection
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They give thoughtful consideration to their own
learning and experience. They are able to assess and
understand their strengths and limitations in order
to support their learning and personal development. |
ABA’s Plan for Growth and Improvement
has been developed from data gathered and analyzed from:
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a number of surveys completed by students, parents,
teachers, support staff and alumni
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the reports of our self-assessment of the school’s
adherence to the 12 MSA Standards for Accreditation
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Profile of Student Performance
The Plan is based on three objectives, two of which
focus on student performance and the third on ABA’s
organizational capacity. The objectives are:
By 2013, ABA students (in order to take responsibility
for their own learning) will know their strengths and
believe that their teachers will implement
differentiation strategies to accommodate their
strengths as measured by the students’ improved academic
achievement and the student reflection surveys.
By 2013, all ABA students will develop attitudes, skills
and knowledge that empower them to become
environmentally responsible citizens as role modeled by
members of the ABA community throughout the school.
By the year 2013, ABA will improve its cafeteria
services as measured by the Middle States Association
student and teacher survey.
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