NEASC finishes Peabody Veterans inspection

PEABODY-Teachers, students, parents, and school administrators can breathe easier now that the four-day visit by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is done and over with.As part of the school?s 10-year evaluation plan, a 17-person accreditation team closely examined every inch of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School from the paint on the walls to the lessons learned on the chalk board.The stakes were high this year, as the decades old high school was put on probation for its poor heating and ventilation system five years ago, leaving their rather important accreditation status hanging by a thread.According to Superintendent Milton Burnett, last week?s visit “went fine” and the visitors saw evidence of Peabody?s steps to correct any lingering building issues with the current renovations in progress.Several students were shadowed, parents interviewed, and teachers observed.?They?re not there to judge,” said Burnett, who frequented many of the group?s tours. “They?re evaluating our instructional program and everything that supports that program.”Areas subject to evaluation included the mission and expectations of student learning, curriculum, instruction, assessment of student learning, leadership and organization, school resources for learning, and community resources for learning.?I?m confident,” said Burnett, adding, “But during the evaluation process, there?s always a heightened sense of awareness.”Before their departure, Burnett and fellow administrators met with the NEASC representatives for a detailed wrap up of the visit. Burnett said there were “some praises”, such as the dedication of the faculty and commitment of the school, but there were also some recommendations. As those recommendations are not final, Burnett did not wish to disclose them at this time.NEASC will come back with a report on the school?s accreditation status some time in November. At that point, Peabody will have the opportunity to respond and develop a plan accordingly.