Schools get passing grade during recent accreditation

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, November 7, 2000

Austin Public Schools are getting a passing grade, according to the North Central Accreditation’s recent evaluation of the district’s physical education and science-health programs.

Tuesday, November 07, 2000

Austin Public Schools are getting a passing grade, according to the North Central Accreditation’s recent evaluation of the district’s physical education and science-health programs.

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"I don’t think anything was a surprise," Susan A. Roehrich, coordinator of the district’s educational services, said of last week’s oral report from NCA. "They listed a lot of positives and some concerns."

Roehrich said there was plenty of praise for the staff for their "expertise and enthusiasm. They focus on what’s in the best interest for the children."

NCA evaluators also were pleased with the facilities available – both blacktop and green space at the elementary schools.

"They also commented on the positive collaboration between the school, Community Education and the Parks and Rec Department," Roehrich said.

NCA officials brought up concerns regarding the placement of health curriculum – should it be a part of science classes or in with physical education.

"Should it be a part of science, phys ed or by itself? We’re looking at how to position health classes," Roehrich said.

There’s nothing wrong with the current system, but it’s something the Austin School District, as well as others throughout the state, will want to consider.

"Another piece with phys ed is communication safety," Roehrich said, regarding the safety of students while they are on the playground or athletic fields. "Should the teachers have handheld radios or cell phones? It’s something that we’ve been looking into."

Another concern was the use of technology within the programs; the district is looking at new ways to incorporate technology into science, health and physical education.

The evaluation is done every year, rotating subject matter from one year to the next. The evaluation is the second step of the curriculum study.

Last year, the physical education and science-health programs were in the self-study phase, where the school district examines the programs itself.

The NCA and assessment review comes the next school year.

The third step is development of the program.

The development continues in the fourth step and various textbooks and materials are considered.

In the fifth step, texts are purchased and implemented.