Burroughs High School is making steady progress on its schoolwide action plan, according to the findings of its Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) mid-cycle review.
The findings were reported following a mid-cycle check-in by WASC representative Diane Sauvageau, who reviewed a progress report submitted by the school and conducted virtual meetings with parents, students, teachers, and administrators. She also visited classrooms virtually, thanks to the efforts of the school’s Film Production and AV Club students.
The mid-cycle review follows the school’s 2021 accreditation. Continued WASC accreditation affirms that Burroughs is reaching its goals outlined in its 2021 plan and adequately serving its students.
“Accreditation is very important,” said Principal Carrie Cope. “An accredited school is a school that meets the standards that the state sets.”
Following the meetings, Sauvageau outlined the school’s core strengths and planned areas for improvement, which she shared with the school’s administration and department chairs upon her visit’s conclusion.
Sagineau first highlighted the value of the school’s community partnerships.
“Community involvement and support are contributing to improving students’ overall experiences and outcomes,” wrote Sagineau.
Second, Sagineau found that the school offers a wide range of programs that prepare students for transition to postsecondary institutions and career pathways, including CTE, VAPA, AVID, AP, and concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities with Cerro Coso.
Third, she noted that Burroughs has openly supported and made a broad transition to technological tools that engage students, parents, and the community, resulting in effective communication, instructional support, student engagement, and resources.
Fourth, she found that students at Burroughs have a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs in which to participate. This allows students to become actively involved at school and in their community and to explore their interests.
Fifth, Sagineau reported that “Burroughs has a culture of knowing their students and caring for the ‘whole child’ that supports students throughout their high school experience.”
Sagineau also concurred with the school’s identified areas of growth.
“I am pleased with the WASC report,” said Cope. “The BHS staff worked hard to create the growth areas for continued improvement, and the WASC chairperson agreed with them.”
As it has been for the last three years, Burroughs will continue to work on four key areas to support student achievement, including college and career readiness; student engagement and behavior management; professional development and teacher retention; and data analysis.
Some of the initiatives within this plan include implementation of effective teaching strategies, increased communication of college and career readiness opportunities, schoolwide support for at-risk students, and data analysis to inform decision-making.
To help insure the successful implementation of the plan, Cope has already created groups who will work on specific areas.
“Burroughs staff will be ready for the next visit,” said Cope. “The next visit is in three years. We will start working on our growth areas this month.”
