Bertie County Schools receive 4-star review

The results are in.

“Every six years, institutions like ours invite Cognia, formerly known as AdvancED, into classrooms across the organization to examine the best teaching practices in an effort to become an accredited institution. Based on rigorous research-based standards and evidence-based criteria, the Cognia External Engagement Process assesses every aspect of the institution — from policies to learning conditions for students, to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of every learner,” said Dr. Linda Bulluck, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction as she presented Cognia’s findings to the Bertie School Board last week.

Cognia defines continuous improvement as “an embedded behavior rooted in an institution’s culture that constantly focuses on conditions, processes, and practices to improve teaching and learning.” Accreditation is a continuous improvement process that helps an institution improve teaching and learning. Using Cognia’s Performance Standards, the institution examines its current effectiveness as well as its capacity and capability to achieve its vision and goals for the future.

Cognia believes all institutions can improve no matter how well they are currently performing. In the same manner that educators are expected to understand the unique needs of every learner and tailor the education experience to drive student success, every institution must be empowered to map out and embrace their unique improvement journey.

Cognia evaluators spent time reviewing the practices and principles of the district and came up with positive findings.

“In conducting the review, the evaluator identified noteworthy practices that reflect significant areas of strength in the work of the institution. Although there are numerous examples of the institution’s level of quality, the recognition of Noteworthy Practices reflects the greatest strengths of the institution,” the report stated.

Dr. Steven Bloom was the head evaluator for Bertie County Schools and gave the district above average marks. The summary of findings pointed to the district’s many favorable qualities.

“Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to embedding the district’s mission, vision, norms and core values into all aspects of school operations to ensure instructional practice, policy formation, resource allocation and decision-making processes are aligned with the district’s overarching vision,” wrote Bloom. “Alignment of day-to-day operations and instructional practice with core values contribute to cohesion and consistency by linking all stakeholders to the district’s beliefs-based culture and maintaining a clear focus on student well-being.”

The report went on to say leaders developed policy documents to maintain a clear focus on the district’s priorities and commitment to accountability, congruence of initiatives with core values and expectations for high-quality instruction including the Community Strategic Plan, Bertie County Schools Instructional Framework, comprehensive professional development plan and quality assurance and oversight process.

Bloom only highlighted one area of improvement, suggesting research and implementation of strategies to encourage greater student voice and choice in academic and nonacademic learning opportunities.

“When schools and teachers provide students with agency to contribute to decisions regarding their learning, such as how to demonstrate mastery, course selection and career preparation, it then promotes self-efficacy, motivation, engagement, active learning, builds trust, contributes to student success, inspires self-confidence and addresses individual student aspirations and interests,” claimed Bloom.

Cognia provides the Index of Education Quality (IEQ) rating as a holistic measure of overall performance. Bertie School District’s IEQ score was 323, while Cognia’s IEQ Network Average is 253.