Proofing - For Elementary Level
Welcome to St. Bridget School, PAASCU!
By: Pauline Francez C. Gordula, 6-Madasalin
PAASCU? Wait a minute—what is that?
PAASCU stands for Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities. The task of this association is to visit schools to check if those schools pass certain criteria. Should those schools pass, they will be given an accreditation. Schools who are accredited receive great opportunities.
PAASCU has certain objectives. Here are some of them:
1. To stimulate and integrate the efforts of institutions to elevate the standards of education in the Philippines
2. To identify educational institutions which meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality
3. To assist schools in their quest for regional and international recognition of their academic programs
The rest and other information could be found in the following link: http://paascu.org.ph/?page_id=99
Last December 3 & 4, 2015, 8 accreditors came to our school. Each of them observed and graded a particular section (or two) of the school.
Listed here are the 8 accreditors and their area/s of observation:
Ms. Mary Ann Eala ------------------------ Staff Chairperson, Administration
Mr. Manuel Mallari ------------------------ Faculty
Ms. Ana Michelle Ricalde ------------------------ Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Conchita Olivares ------------------------ Library
Ms. Felicitas Ventura ------------------------ Laboratories/Physical Plant
Ms. Ophelia Marcelino ------------------------ Student Services
Mr. Jose Cuya ------------------------ School and Community
Ms. Rose Asoy ------------------------ PAASCU Representative
Before the PAASCU Accreditors came, St. Bridget School made preparations. One of the preparations made was an exhibit from each department. In the exhibit you could find the marvelous works of the students.
The Primary Department's exhibit was located in the Primary Waiting Area; while the Intermediate Department’s exhibit can be found at the entrance of the Divine Child Hall. The High School Department’s exhibit was placed in one of the High School rooms, near the High School Faculty Room.
Teachers also placed their UBD (or Understanding By Design) on the arm chairs of the visitors' chairs. Inside the UBD, you can find the main objectives of the lessons of the teachers. The accreditors would look at the UBD while observing the teacher to see if she/he has accomplished their goal.
Another part of the preparations which the school did, was to put banners on the walls. These banners showed the various events that the school held and the different sports that the students involved themselves in. On the banners, smiling faces of the Bridgetines while performing can be seen, and showcased the hard work of the school's varsity teams.
When the accreditors came they were greeted by the Bridgetines' sweet smiles and warm greetings of welcome. While the accreditors were observing the school, they approached several students to ask a few questions regarding the school.
During that day, advisers from 4th grade to 10th grade were also asked to choose students to participate in an interview conducted by the 8 accreditors. These interviews took place in the Audio Visual Room of the school.
When the students' interview concluded, the teachers were interviewed next. The interviews took approximately 50 minutes.
When the day finally ended the whole school breathed in relief after the intense visit of the PAASCU Accreditors.
A lot of changes occurred during the PAASCU Preliminary Visit. Everyone had been in their best behavior.
In light of this, I have two questions: Should we only be on our best behavior if there are visitors around? Should we act like a compassionate, confident and competent Filipina only if there are visitors?
My answer is this -- We should live as a compassionate, confident and competent Filipina every day of our lives, because that is what St. Bridget is teaching us.
Think about it, dear Bridgetines. Think about it.