Northampton High undertakes self-review

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

NORTHAMPTON - Faculty members at Northampton High School have begun working on a self-review organized by the New England Association of Schools that targets ways of improving the quality of education offered at NHS.

Last month, NHS faculty members sat down for an hour-long presentation given by Ann Ashworth, associate director for the association's Commission on Public Secondary Schools, who outlined strategies for preparing the self-study, due in 2012.

"Northampton High School is already an accredited member of our organization and over the next year-and-a-half or two years, they are required to complete a self-study that analyzes the facility, practices, programs, teaching strategies and curricula," Ashworth said. "All of our member schools must go through this process every 10 years."

When the self-study is completed, an evaluation will be conducted by a visiting committee of professional educators, sent by the commission, who review all materials prepared by the faculty in the self-assessment, visit classes and talk with students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members during their four-day visit to the school.

"While accreditation by the association does not imply perfection, it does ensure that the school has the resources, leadership, and organization necessary to support the ongoing improvement required of all schools," said Principal Nancy Athas.

The New England Association is a voluntary accrediting agency of more than 2,000 public and independent schools, colleges and universities, and vocational, technical, and career institutions. Of these, about 650 schools have been accredited through the association's Commission on Public Secondary Schools.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com