Mr. Stephen Meier, Headmaster 200 B Willow Dr Lake Jackson, TX 77566-4749 Document Generated On October 10, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Purpose and Direction 2 Governance and Leadership 5 Teaching and Assisting for Learning 7 Resources and Support Systems 9
Introduction This diagnostic serves as a companion document to the AdvancED Standards for Quality Schools and provides additional distinctive cultural content that will be used as part of the evaluation process for ACSI accreditation. Through this self-assessment process, schools are guided through an in-depth internal evaluation of all areas of operations and programs, and provided an opportunity to develop the accountability and discipline required by quality Christian educational systems. Page 1
Purpose and Direction How does the school ensure the school/program is clearly Christian in its philosophy and orientation? meets this standard through the following means: 1. All students, staff, faculty, administration, and board members are in agreement with the Christian Statement of Faith that our school has set forth. 2. Each teacher is expected to complete an initial application that includes written statements of their testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. In addition to this application, personal interviews are conducted to discern the Christian faith and character of the potential teacher. 3. Parent applications and interviews are conducted to discern the parent's faith and the faith of the potential student(s). 4. Weekly Chapel (Large and Small) Group meetings occur in both elementary and secondary. 5. The BCS website (www.1bcs.org) clearly gives our Christian orientation on the Mission and Vision pages. 6. Faculty is required to have Professional Development files which include aspects of Biblical integration. 7. All students are expected to attend Bible Classes which conform to our Statement of Faith. 8. We have weekly prayer meetings at 7am on Fridays for all students, staff, faculty, parents, administration, and board members. 9. All formal meetings either begin or end with a time of prayer. 10. Teachers are expected to compose an original document concerning their personal philosophy of Christian education. This document is read and approved by the Head of School. 11. Our Student Handbook clearly establishes a Christian philosophy evidenced in the following sections: a. Foreword b. Mission c. Vision d. Educational Goals e. Statement of Faith f. Basic Affirmations i. Partnership with Parents and Their Churches ii. Educational Excellence and Balance iii. Christian Faith iv. Biblical Integration v. Worldview Training vi. Biblical Doctrine of Origins g. Philosophy of Education h. Accreditation i. Grievance Process j. Non-Discriminatory Policy k. Sexual Morality Policy l. Admission Policies m. Curriculum n. Standards of Conduct (Introduction) i. #3. Teacher are representatives of God's authority o. Dress Code Regulations Page 2
p. Volunteers 12. Our Mission Statement along with the Ten Commandments is required to be posted in every classroom. 13. Biblical Integration in each lesson plan A dynamic Christian school/program is always committed to a cycle of focused improvement and never satisfied with current or past achievements. How does the school ensure that all school improvement has at its foundation the Christian philosophy, mission, & core values? Our goal is to be the pre-eminent Christian School in Brazoria County. Our mission is to provide families academic excellence with a Biblical worldview and equip students with qualities of knowledge, character and leadership to the glory of God. Therefore our primary focus is to ensure that all school improvement has at its foundation the Christian philosophy, mission, and core values. The reason BCS exists is to be a light and a beacon to Brazoria County. Our strategic school improvement goals clearly demonstrate it. Goal #1: To build a Christ-centered faculty to develop and teach outstanding Bible-centered curricula. Goal #2: To build a curriculum to equip students with a Biblical worldview and encourage them to pro-active leadership in every endeavor. Goal #3: To develop a pro-active "Kingdom mentality" in all areas of our ministry. Goal #4: To build a sports program aimed at developing young people into very competitive yet compassionate Christian leader. Goal #5: To strengthen the financial base at. Goal #6: To develop a campus which reflects the excellence of the over-all program. Goal #7: To develop a campus with high technology standards. Goal #8: To develop a strong International Home Stay program. What processes are used to ensure that expected student outcomes include strong character, Christ-like values, and a Godcentered pattern of life? One of our primary goals is to build Christ-like character in our students. In our morning announcements, one of the components is to pray a character trait over our students. Last year, our chapel focus was character building. Through lectures, films, skits, and small groups, our students discussed the character traits of Christ during the entire year. Teachers and staff understand that their role is to also exhibit and model these traits. When problems and conflicts arise among students, we solve disagreements through Christ honoring words and actions. We discuss with the student the situation that they find themselves in and ask how Jesus might have handled it. Our purpose is restoration if at all possible. Christian world view is taught and modeled through Biblical integration both in the classroom and in all extra-curricular activities. We expect Christ-like behavior from all of our students whether they are involved in athletic competition, student government, school ministries, academic competitions, etc. We have a policy called the "elastic principle." This principle states that you are a Brazosport Christian School student twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week. You are to strive to meet our standards of behavior and character on a continuous basis. Our standards are to strive to be like Christ. We strongly encourage students to attend church regularly and to participate in the activities provided. We assign a Freshman student or a new secondary student to each of our Seniors. The Seniors are to mentor these students throughout the year. The Seniors understand the character traits that we want to help these younger students develop. At the end of each school year, each student in our school is presented with a character trait certificate naming their dominant trait. Bible teachers present these awards and explain why the trait was awarded. Seniors receive their character trait certificate during graduation ceremonies. Page 3
Their trait is explained and an accompanying Bible verse is read. How is the faculty prepared to teach the instructional content from a biblical worldview? New faculty members are expected to obtain their ACSI certification which includes watching a series of video tapes, completing a required reading list, and writing their Philosophy of Christian Education which begins the process of being prepared to teach the instructional content from a biblical worldview. New teachers are often assigned a mentor who can also help them prepare to teach their instructional content from a Biblical worldview. The preparation process for all faculty members is continued through periodic Biblical worldview course content training which has been available at ACSI conventions and on the BCS campus. Onsite training by Dr. Braley, in August, 2010 enlightened staff members on integrating Biblical content across the curriculum. Resources like The Encyclopedia of Bible Truths for School Subjects are available in our school library and through our Curriculum Development Coordinator. Bible study opportunities are consistently available on the BCS campus (Beth Moore Bible Studies) and annually at the ACSI convention. Faculty members are expected to maintain current ACSI certification which includes a Biblical continuing education unit requirement component. Teachers show their preparedness by including Biblical integration as part of their weekly lesson plan for each instructional content area. Our Curriculum Development Coordinator served as a Biblical integration consultant through suggestions given after periodically reviewing lesson plans for Biblical integration. The elementary principal and secondary principal serve as Biblical integration consultants through suggestions given on teaching observation evaluations. Page 4
Governance and Leadership What processes and procedures are in place to ensure that Christ-centered governance and administrative leadership is taking place? How are board members and administrative leaders recognized by the school community as mature Christian leaders? At BCS we follow an order of authority. Policy 3.0 of the board's handbook of Policies and Procedures addresses this order. It states that the board's connection to the operational organization of the school is through the administrator. The administrator is charged with monitoring whether or not policies and procedures are being followed on campus. Further, Policy 4 states that board members must be committed to the philosophy of the school and have a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. To show their belief and dedication to the school the board members and the administrator are required to have their school age children enrolled at BCS. Our board members are businessmen and women with positions of leadership in the community. Their varied experiences are beneficial to their ability to make decisions about our policies and procedures. The different connections they have in the community help support and promote the school through their interactions with their church. The board and the administrator are seen as mature Christian leaders in the community. The administrator illustrates this maturity when conducting school wide family meetings and participating in school and community functions. How does the school leadership ensure that all personnel, including volunteers, are Christians that are competent, dedicated, and well qualified for their assigned responsibilities and are committed to the written philosophy, mission, vision, and core values of the school? ensures that all personnel are born-again Christians. When interviewed for a faculty or staff position at the school, potential employees must submit a written testimony. Administrators interview each candidate and have follow-up questions in regard to their testimony. Administrators note the employee's comments concerning how they live out their Christian walk. The HR Director conduct a background check and contact all references listed, determine each person's ACSI accreditation status, and note Bible CEU's earned or needed. The school ensure that all personnel are degreed and certified, competent and preferably experienced in their field of study, dedicated to the philosophy of Christian education, and well qualified for their assigned responsibilities. Employees be required to read and sign our Statement of Faith. Employees must be committed to our Philosophy of Education Statement, our Mission Statement, our Vision Statement, and our Core Values Statement. Our personnel must reflect their commitment to Christ by their active membership in a local church and by their Christian service to the community. offer continuous opportunities for spiritual growth each year. Volunteers desiring to serve in our school must process through the same procedures as employees. They must produce a written testimony, sign our Statement of Faith, agree with our Philosophy of Education Statement, Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Value Statement. Background checks be conducted and references be checked by the administration. Administrators interview potential volunteers. School leadership at BCS requires that all personnel, including our volunteers, sign a Statement of Faith and have a written Christian testimony before they can serve on campus. During the pre-employment process we ask for these signed papers and we conduct an interview where follow up questions are asked in regard to their testimony. The philosophy and the vision of our school are discussed. The interviewees are also asked to bring in an official transcript verifying their educational background. Once employed, they have to become Page 5
ACSI certified. This ensures that they continue their professional development from year to year. All faculty is also required to take the Philosophy of Education course. Teachers are evaluated twice a year. In addition, an end of year self-evaluation is required. Page 6
Teaching and Assisting for Learning How does the school ensure the curriculum guide is based on biblical truth, is applicable and reflective of the school's Christian foundations? ensures that our curriculum guide is based on Biblical truth by constantly monitoring the fact that all curriculum lines up with God's Word. Administrators, staff, faculty, and families involved in selecting curriculum have read, understood, and agree with the school's founding documents. These documents include our philosophy of Christian education, our Vision Statement, our Mission Statement, our by-laws, our policy manuals, and our Statement of Faith. When selecting curriculum, both Christian and secular material is reviewed. Final selection of materials is the result of close scrutiny led by the Holy Spirit assuring that the material is reflective of and supportive of the school's Christian foundations. How does the school ensure that the educational program is dynamic and biblically integrated throughout the entire instructional program? In order to ensure that the school's educational program is dynamic and Biblically integrated throughout the instructional program, we hire teachers with a Biblical worldview who have a passion for their content area, their students, and Christian education. These teachers fill out a detailed application describing their testimony and their present walk with the Lord. They explain to administrators why they believe that God is calling them to our ministry. New faculty is mentored in Biblically integrating their subject areas by being given examples of subject integration and by observing master teachers. Biblical integration is taught during in-services, during Bible studies held on campus, accessing computer programs like ACSI Nexcus, and at the ACSI yearly convention. New teachers are reminded that at our school we are constantly aware that we are to worship the Lord our God with our heart, soul, and mind. We remind our students that as we study and learn about God's creation, we are indeed learning about Him and worshipping Him. Each facet of the school is Biblically integrated - from the classroom to the lunchroom to the athletic fields. Led by the Holy Spirit, we purposely determine that the Biblical worldview permeates all areas of school life. How does your school assess the spiritual formation and worldview issues of the school, students & staff? constantly assesses the spiritual formation and worldview issues of the school, students, and staff. The people are the school. The school purposefully integrates Biblical teaching and character training into every facet of its program. Teachers' participation in self-evaluations as well as administrative evaluations reveals their hearts. In addition, spiritual development and growth is monitored through observation. Administration looks at the ways in which teachers handle different situations. Do they see the spiritual battle in classroom situations? Are they seeking the Lord's guidance in addressing situations? Are they relying only upon themselves to solve problems or the Holy Spirit? Student spiritual formation, growth, and development are measured in sundry ways. Biblical understanding and worldview is discussed in Bible classes as well as in academic classes. Chapel and small group chapel days allow for discussions and revelations of student's beliefs and Biblical application to their lives. Observing and listening to students interact with one another, pray for one another, and serve one another are indicators of their worldview. Our Guidance counselor and administration work with our Jr. and Sr. High students to guide them. God has a plan for their lives. It is our goal that they understand this fact and partner with us as prepare them for their future. We are aware Page 7
of our students' involvement in church activities, missions, and ministries. We look at the result of these activities. Are they impacting the students' lives and others around them? Do we witness a passion for the Lord and His work? Are students consistently applying a Christian worldview to the situations and environments they face? As they grow older, are they becoming leaders and Christ-like role models in the student body? We give opportunities for student testimonies. We note those who accept Christ during the year. We give formal testing using tools like Terra Nova and PSAT. We keep in contact with alumni and look for the evidences of spiritual depth and continued commitment in their lives. Page 8
Resources and Support Systems What policies and procedures are in place to ensure the health of the students/children emotionally, physically, spiritually, and academically? We believe that this Christian philosophy of educating the whole child - emotionally, physically, spiritually, and academically - will produce the Christian leaders who are needed. The primary goal in the school is to teach the principles of God's Word so that the Holy Spirit can instill Godly character in our students and guide them in making wise decisions. Our role is to support the family in leading students to the understanding of God's creation and His plan for their lives. BCS has several policies and procedures in place that ensure the health of the students in the following areas: 1. Emotionally - We have Bible teachers, administrators, and counselors available for students to seek help with emotional issues or distress. Each teacher is expected to be a counselor in this sense presenting Godly counsel from the Word. 2. Physically - BCS Security and Crisis Management Plan - Alarm Drill Instructions and Alarm Drills - A School nurse is available for incidental injuries. - Physical records are maintained on any student athletic participant. - Food Services policies are in place to ensure the quality of the food provided. - Each teacher is equipped with a first-aid kit in every room. - All teachers undergo a federal background check to demonstrate no past evidence of criminal activity related to minors. - Vaccines are required for all students, unless a exepmtion is requested (Student Handbook 51-53). 3. Spiritually - All personnel are required to be certified through ACSI, which requires a signed Statement of Faith. - All personnel are required to be born again Christians, agree to and sign the Statement of Faith, and be an active member of a local church. - Each student is required to sign a copy of our Statement of Faith in order to become part of the student body. - We have a weekly secondary Chapel or a small discipleship group that meets with a faculty small group leader. - Each teacher is charged to be commited to the development of the "whole child." Administrators carry an additional obligation as they are charged to lead by example. As our handbook states, administrators "must create an atmosphere where the Spirit of Christ can flourish and is manifest in all-direct or indirect interactions with all other parties." 4. Academically - The Elementary Principal makes guidance decisions for the elementary students. If a child needs testing, the Principal acts as the liason between BISD and BCS. Once the results of the testing are received, then a decision is made as to whether the school is able to meet the needs of the student. - The High School Guidance Counselor (HSGC) offers services on a minimal basis. The HSGC seeks to direct each student to find the individual plan that God has for their life. College planning booklets are available online for student to use as needed. In addition to this, the HSGC offers Career Assessment tests, college vistitation days, and other academic advice as needed for any given student's academic career. Page 9
The education offered in a Christian school/program must be Christ centered. Effective partnerships with parents are a vital part of quality education. Between staff and parents, a rapport is built that supports communication between the home and the education program. Give evidence and documentation that this relationship exists. Evidences for this response are in the following locations. 1. Student Handbook 2. www.1bcs.org [Documents] 3. BCS Update 4. Progress Reports sent by teachers via RenWeb to parents. 5. Parent-Teacher Fellowship 6. Open House (held several times throughout the year) 7. Parent-Teacher Conference Nights 8. Teacher to Parent, Parent to Teacher direct communication (phone, e-mail, face-to-face) 9. Circumstantial interactions (e.g., at various sporting events) 10. Elementary students take home a folder every night for parent information How is the Christian distinctive and mission of the school evidenced in its media and information services? Our Christian distinctive and mission is evidenced in its media and information services in the following ways: - Media Policies (from Student Handbook): "Access to the Internet unfortunately increases the availability of material that is offensive to anyone of good conscience and is especially unsuitable for children. Although BCS has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials, it is impossible to control all materials. Therefore, the responsibility is upon the student or other user not to seek questionable websites. We believe that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that students may seek to stumble upon materials which are inconsistent with the spiritual and educational goals of BCS or its representative families." - Before students may use computers or access the Internet at BCS, they must read and agree to the acceptable-use guidelines. Parents or guardians also must sign the contract for their minor students. Only students or adults with this contract on file will be allowed to utilize the Internet or e-mail through the school computers. Offenses will be handled on an individual basis and are punishable by: Infraction points, detentions, loss of computer privileges, suspension, expulsion, or legal action if necessary. - The students are expected to be good stewards of the media/technology equipment. - Acceptable Use Policy - BCS reserves the right to monitor and request that teachers or staff remove any comments made on their personnal social sites that are inappropriate and that violate the established rules. - Any information that compromises the safety, integrity, or testimony of our school teachers, staff and/or students is grounds for removal of the content. - The library collection provides a wide range of books that support equipping students for their life ministries. Students are able to check out Page 10
materials on many subjects that would help them prepare many different areas, be it spiritually or academically. - Our philosophy of Biblical Integration and Christian Faith allows for "ideas and practices opposed to the Christian faith to considered in the classroom as they relate to the subject being studied, with the goal of helping students discern the difference and choose the position and practice that harmonizes with God's Word." Page 11