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05/30/2017 12:00 AMValley Regional High School (VRHS) is a safe, positive, respectful environment with high expectations for all—that’s one of the conclusions of the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) from its decennial evaluation report filed in April.
The evaluation, which takes three years, involves internal review as well as a visit from a committee that examines the teaching and learning environment at the school. Working with faculty, staff, students, and families, the school identifies areas of improvement, as does the committee, and the final report incorporates positive attributes as well as areas of growth.
The visiting committee conducts its evaluation by reviewing the school’s self-study materials, shadowing students, observing classrooms, touring the facilities, holding individual meetings with teachers and group meetings with community stakeholders, and examining student work. The visiting team’s report highlights 66 commendations and 28 recommendations.
“We had a very positive experience with this process,” said Principal Mike Barile. “The visiting team confirmed the work that we are engaged in, and the direction we are heading in. We’re looking forward to continuing to create a positive experience for students.”
Based on both internal evaluation and the recommendation of the visiting team, areas VRHS will look to improve in include developing a flexible hybrid schedule, increasing the level of teacher collaboration, and systematizing the evaluation of students with regards to both enrichment and intervention. The visiting committee also recommended upgrading the athletic fields.
“It was nice to have them come to conclude that Valley excels in school culture, community support, curriculum, instruction, and assessment,” said Barile. “They also recognized us as having a safe, positive, and respectful environment, and placing an emphasis on high expectations for our students.
The full report is available at www.vrhs.reg4.k12.ct.us under the “Announcements” listing.