Trainings
Middle States trainings are offered free of charge to our members. Middle States offers a variety of trainings including; self-study for schools and systems, Visiting Team training for volunteers, and Mid-Term Report preparation.
Please note that enrollment is limited to faculty and staff from member schools. For questions about registering for a training please contact accreditation@msa-cess.org.
For trainings for volunteers, please visit the Volunteers Training page here.
Description of Workshops
Organizing for Self-Study
Organizing for Self-Study is a half-day workshop designed to help you prepare for and begin self-study using your chosen protocol. This workshop will outline all phases of the self-study and team visit process, but focus most heavily on organizing your Planning Team and conducting self-assessments of: your school’s foundation documents, your school’s current realities as defined by student performance, and how well your school is meeting the requirements of the MSA Standards. This workshop is recommended for internal coordinators and school leadership. All schools* beginning self-study process are strongly encouraged to attend this workshop.
*Please note this workshop is for individual schools using Designing our Future or Excellence by Design; however, MSA offers separate workshops for the accreditation of systems of schools, learning services providers, and career and technical schools.
Developing the Plan: Objectives and Action Plans
Developing the Plan is a half-day, hands-on workshop for Internal Coordinators and representatives from the Planning Team. This workshop is best suited for those who have attended the Organizing for Self-Study workshop in a previous semester. All schools engaged in the self-study process are encouraged to attend this workshop when beginning to identify priorities for objectives or during the development of your initial draft of objectives. This workshop consists of small group work and developing a preliminary plan for growth and improvement. Attendees should bring along their school’s self-study data to this workshop.
Hosting Your Team Visit (offered online only)
This hour long webinar is designed for schools preparing to host a Middle States Visiting Team. Middle States staff will provide a detailed overview of what you can expect from the Pre-Visit with the team chairperson and the full accreditation Team Visit. Additionally we will discuss logistical details including travel and accommodations, the visit schedule, and guidelines for interviews and observations. We will have time built-in for questions and answers.
Completing Your Mid-Term Report (offered online only)
This hour long webinar is offered to schools beginning or engaged in the Mid-Term Report process. As a reminder, the Mid-Term Report is due in the third year of the accreditation term. This webinar will address timeline for completion, practical advice and tips, and allow time for your questions. We look forward to your participation.
Systems Accreditation Training (offered online or on-site by request)
This workshop is designed for school system leaders seeking accreditation for all schools within their school system using the Achieving Excellence System-Wide protocol. Special attention is given the role of the Central Office of the system/district/diocese in the self-study and interrelationship with building level initiatives, culminating in system-wide accreditation. The workshop will address the essential components of the self-study: meeting the MSA Standards for School Systems, establishing a culture of planning, and determining priorities for developing a plan for growth and improvement.
