CLARK, NJ — Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark has received accreditation by the Middle States Association’s Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. According to the Middle States Association, “Accreditation is a self-evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The standards examine schools in a holistic way, supplementing student-testing data to provide a more complete measure of a school’s performance and chart a strategic and realistic course for continuous school improvement.”
The Middle States reaccreditation process at ALJ began with an intensive self-study. A team from Middle States then visited ALJ last spring for three days. During that visit, the team met with a variety of stakeholders, including staff, parents and students.
To determine whether a school should be reaccredited, the Middle States team looks at school performance in 12 areas: mission, governance and leadership, school improvement planning, finances, facilities, school organization and staff, health and safety, educational program, assessment and evidence of student learning, student services, student life and activities, and information resources.
Superintendent Edward Grande stated, “The reaccreditation of ALJ is a very welcomed accomplishment that offers a blueprint for our next steps in moving forward. Mrs. Alessandra Bonacchi, Mrs. Mary Dattilo and Mrs. Mary Pisciotta, as internal coordinators, are to be commended for leading us through the process in such an effective way.”
Photo Courtesy of Christine Casale Broski