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Home / Standards for Accreditation / Standard 5 - Learning Resources

Standard 5 - Learning Resources

Learning Resources ensure that the school has the resources necessary to meet the learning needs of all students.

The school has adequate and appropriate time, funding, and facilities to support the realization of its core values, beliefs about learning, and vision of the graduate. The school and school community provide time, funding, and facilities for student learning and support; teacher collaboration and professional growth; and full implementation of curricular and co-curricular programs in the school. The school has appropriate plans, protocols, and infrastructure in place to ensure consistent delivery of its curriculum, programs, and services.

Principles of Effective Practice

Click on the topics listed below each Principle to reveal more details and helpful resources.

5.1 The community and district provide school buildings and facilities that support the delivery of high-quality curriculum, programs, and services.

Descriptors of Effective Practice

The community and district provide school buildings and facilities that:

  • ensure a safe, secure, and healthy environment that supports the diversity of the student body
  • are adequately sized for the school community
  • have appropriate spaces to support student learning and the curriculum
  • are clean and well maintained
  • have appropriate mechanical systems
  • meet all applicable federal and state laws and are in compliance with local fire, health, and safety regulations.

5.1a Foundational Element - The community and district provide school buildings and facilities that support the delivery of curriculum, programs, and services.

Descriptors of Effective Practice

The community and district provide school buildings and facilities that:

  • ensure a safe, secure, and healthy environment
  • are clean and well maintained
  • meet all applicable federal and state laws and are in compliance with local fire, health, and safety regulations.

5.2 The school/district provides time and financial resources to enable research-based instruction, professional growth, and the development, implementation, and improvement of school programs and services.

Descriptors of Effective Practice

The school/district provides:

  • time during the school day organized to support research-based instruction, professional collaboration among educators, learning needs of all students, and student programs and services
  • sufficient time and resources for professional development, evaluation and revision of the curriculum, and improvement of instruction using assessment results and current research.

5.3 The community and the district's governing body provide adequate and dependable funding to fully implement the curriculum, including co-curricular programs and other learning opportunities.

Descriptors of Effective Practice

The community and the district's governing body provide dependable funding for:

  • a wide range of school programs and services
  • sufficient professional and support staff to ensure appropriate class sizes and teacher load
  • sufficient equipment and technology
  • resources to support library services and information technology
  • a full range of technology support
  • sufficient instructional materials and supplies
  • proper maintenance and replacement of furniture, technology, and equipment.

5.4 The school/district has short-term and long-term plans to address the capital and maintenance needs of its building and facilities.

Descriptors of Effective Practice

The school/district develops and maintains plans to:

  • ensure the maintenance and repair of the building and facilities
  • schedule regular maintenance and repair of the building
    and facilities
  • ensure safe, secure, and adequate building and facilities/campus
  • address enrollment changes and staffing needs
  • provide sufficient technology
  • implement capital improvements.

5.5 The school has infrastructure and protocols in place to ensure effective responses in crisis situations.

Descriptors of Effective Practice

The school maintains:

  • protocols to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors in the event of an emergency
  • written documentation that describes responses for various situations
  • a positive working relationship and emergency protocols between the school and emergency services personnel
  • a school crisis team that meets regularly to review and revise protocols.

2020 Standards

2020 Standards for Accreditation

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