Christian Schools of Florida
Accreditation Standards
Strand 4: Teaching and Learning
The school provides a researched base curriculum and instructional methods that facilitate achievement for all students. The curriculum is based on clear and measurable expectations/objectives for student learning and provides opportunities for all students admitted to the school to acquire reasonable knowledge, skills, and attitudes within a biblical framework. Teachers use proven instructional practices that effectively engage students in the learning process and provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real world situations as Christians. Teachers give to students sufficient feedback to improve their performance. Teachers provide spiritual and professional role models that
encourage students to aspire to a lifetime of learning as Christians and to view the world from a consistent biblical/transformational world view.
In addressing the following Standards for this Strand, the school:
4.1
develops and implements a curriculum based on clearly-defined learner outcomes.
4.2
demonstrates in the school improvement plan a knowledge and understanding of the
community for which the school is founded (e.g. opportunities for recruiting families
and students, attitudes of the local Christian community and local pastors toward the
school, and the impact of demographic and economic trends on enrollment).
community for which the school is founded (e.g. opportunities for recruiting families
and students, attitudes of the local Christian community and local pastors toward the
school, and the impact of demographic and economic trends on enrollment).
4.3
promotes the use of higher order thinking skills and guides students to be actively
involved in accompanying learning process.
involved in accompanying learning process.
4.4
collects, analyzes, and uses data and research in making curricular, student
placement, and instructional choices.
placement, and instructional choices.
4.5
Offers a curriculum that challenges each student to excel, reflects a commitment to
equity within the scope of student needs and admission policies, and demonstrates a
willingness to value and address diversities.
equity within the scope of student needs and admission policies, and demonstrates a
willingness to value and address diversities.
4.6
Allocates and guards instructional time within the school day and school calendar in
order to maximize time on task and student learning. The school year conforms to the
Florida Compulsory School Attendance Law (Cf. ES 4.5) and the interpretation of that
Law by the FLDOE.
order to maximize time on task and student learning. The school year conforms to the
Florida Compulsory School Attendance Law (Cf. ES 4.5) and the interpretation of that
Law by the FLDOE.
4.7
Maintains and follows an up-to-date, written curricular alignment in scope and
sequence among all levels of learners including all current courses and subject areas.
(Cf. ES 4.6)
Normally it includes:
1) a Christian philosophy of teaching and learning;
2) instructional goals and learner outcomes;
3) student assessments;
4) course outlines that identify concepts;
5) materials and resources used to accomplish the goals and outcomes.
sequence among all levels of learners including all current courses and subject areas.
(Cf. ES 4.6)
Normally it includes:
1) a Christian philosophy of teaching and learning;
2) instructional goals and learner outcomes;
3) student assessments;
4) course outlines that identify concepts;
5) materials and resources used to accomplish the goals and outcomes.
4.8
Evidences cooperative vertical, horizontal, intradepartmental, and interdepartmental
planning and coordinating the curriculum.
planning and coordinating the curriculum.
4.9
Implements processes and utilizes personnel necessary to address student learning for
those needing special assistance. (Cf. ES 4.8 for specific guidelines assisting the
school discern and meet needs of students needing special assistance).
those needing special assistance. (Cf. ES 4.8 for specific guidelines assisting the
school discern and meet needs of students needing special assistance).
4.10
Employs a full time guidance counselor for high schools with 300+ full time equivalent
(FTE) students and a half-time counselor for high schools with 100-299 FTE students.
A contracted consultant is employed for high schools with 1-99 FTE students. A written
guidance plan is followed specifying personnel and procedures used to provide
counseling services in elementary and middle schools.(cf. ES 4.9).
(FTE) students and a half-time counselor for high schools with 100-299 FTE students.
A contracted consultant is employed for high schools with 1-99 FTE students. A written
guidance plan is followed specifying personnel and procedures used to provide
counseling services in elementary and middle schools.(cf. ES 4.9).
4.11
Establishes and maintains student discipline processes, dress codes, and student
behavior expectations that are appropriate in nature, are clearly defined in written
form, are fairly and consistently implemented, are documented when necessary, and
are distributed to the school families, faculty, and staff. These include important topics
including attendance, suspension and expulsion, substance abuse, and sexual
harassment.
behavior expectations that are appropriate in nature, are clearly defined in written
form, are fairly and consistently implemented, are documented when necessary, and
are distributed to the school families, faculty, and staff. These include important topics
including attendance, suspension and expulsion, substance abuse, and sexual
harassment.
4.12
Complies with all national, state, and local laws for health, safety, sanitation, and
background screening. (cf. ES 4.11-12 for specific guidelines to assist the school in
maintaining a safe and healthy climate).
background screening. (cf. ES 4.11-12 for specific guidelines to assist the school in
maintaining a safe and healthy climate).
4.13
Monitors school climate and campus and consistently takes steps to ensure they are
conducive to safe and unhindered learning. (cf. ES 4.11-12)
conducive to safe and unhindered learning. (cf. ES 4.11-12)
4.14
Provides access for all students to comprehensive technical and media services that
support the curricular and instructional programs. (Cf. ES 4.13 for specific guidelines
to assist the school in maintaining a quality library and media program.)
support the curricular and instructional programs. (Cf. ES 4.13 for specific guidelines
to assist the school in maintaining a quality library and media program.)