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:

 

 

 Inquiry

 

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.

 

Knowledge

 

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.

Diversity

 

They respect diverse cultures, socio-economic and religious backgrounds as they encounter and work with individuals, groups and communities.

 

Thinking

 

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

 Communication

 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.

Integrity

 

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.

 

Open-mindedness

 

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.

 

Risk-taking

 

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.

 

Reflection

 

 

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:

·         a number of surveys completed by students, parents, teachers, support staff and alumni

·         the reports of our self-assessment of the school’s adherence to the 12 MSA Standards for Accreditation

·         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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