Evaluation and assessment are relative terms dependent on whose point of reference and standards are based on. With the evolving expectations brought about by the changing culture and ways of life, services, products are assessed. People from all walks of life are likewise validated at some points in their lives. A patient’s health is validated through series of laboratory and medical examinations by a Doctor of Medicine; the performance of an employee is gauged through performance evaluation system by his immediate head; the credibility of a product or company can be evaluated based on the customers’ evaluation result; a student’s level of competencies across subjects is measured either paper and pencil or performance assessments… and the list goes on.
Just as usual validation requires, school accreditation necessitate series of justification and assessments through formal visits, scrutiny of established school protocols and operation, interviews, and classroom observations. Yet, true to its Marian value of Humility, ICCS has a teachable spirit. They understand that they don’t know everything and can learn much from others by listening. (2 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 4:7)
At the outset of SY 2023-2024, Immaculate Conception Cathedral School along with its affiliate DOCES schools decided to comply with DepEd’s mandate for a full in-school learning. Considering the numerous preparations and adjustment from limited face-to-face to full in-school learning – from facilities, curriculum, personnels’ training and financial aspects, ICCS has made a crucial decision. That is, to accept the challenge to undergo the PAASCU Re-Accreditation for Level II. The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) ensures that educational institutions will continuously seek ways to upgrade and enhance the quality of education. Accreditation provides the educational institution an opportunity for critical analysis leading to improvement in quality, services, and operations. It is through the internal and external analysis of school operation that leads to enhancement of various services, specifically in terms of delivery of instruction. The seal of being accredited and validated provides public certification that an institution has attained standards above those prescribed by government agencies. Accreditation also fosters educational excellence through the development of principles and guidelines for assessing educational effectiveness.
ICCSians’ commitment to undergo such validation on September 21-22, 2023, is grounded on the belief that the services provided to the students and its stakeholders go beyond the expected norm. With the judicious validation of services – from leadership and governance, quality assurance, resource management, teaching and learning, student services, external relations, research, and result, ICCS remains steadfast and committed to its advocacy in delivering quality Catholic education to its learners.
From the accreditors’ lens, ICCS’ hard work to be successfully re-accredited to PAASCU Level II ultimately came to fruition. From PAASCU validation to a commitment to quality education. Ad Jesum per Mariam!
