The second report and visitation was completed in April of 1998 using the Self-Study Criteria Approach. As in the previous review, the ESAEP received the maximum term of six years from the Accrediting Commission. The three-year Progress Report was submitted to the East Side Union High School District School Board and Accrediting Commission in April and May, 2001.

This current evaluation process using the Focus on Learning approach has provided the East Side Adult Education Program with a challenging opportunity to assess student learning and to evaluate the adult school in meeting the educational needs of the community. The Program started working on the Focus on Learning Self-Study during the summer of 2002. The Leadership Team began studying the process and several administrators attended the WASC Training Workshops. Meanwhile, the Home Groups started familiarizing stakeholders to the self-study procedures and gathering information for the Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs).

Communication with members of the entire school community has been challenging since there are over 44 sites/locations, varying teaching assignments, and numerous class times throughout the week. The challenge was met through WASC information and updates being dispensed through the Home Groups and memos to all adult education staff and the Community Advisory Committee.

Formation of the Focus Groups and assignment of their Chairpersons was another important step in the self-study as groups started working. Focus Group B, Curriculum and Instruction, started their work in spring, 2003, the other three in September 2003. By the end of 2003, the Focus Groups completed the evidence gathering and writing. The WASC Leadership Team worked on the program Strengths and Growth Areas and developed the Schoolwide Action Plan.

The results of this process have proven to be a positive and rewarding experience pointing to tangible evidence of the school’s successes. There is increased awareness of the offerings and accomplishments of all programs of East Side Adult Education and a confirmation of the things that are being done right. The self-study has also shown some areas of growth that need review and attention. An Action Plan has been developed that will provide direction for the future and ongoing improvement for the school. It will be the focus of the entire school community to implement this plan in the next few years.

Countless individuals have been involved in the different stages of the self-study: students, teachers and support staff, office staff, community members, and administrators. Appreciation is expressed to everyone for his or her contributions to the development of the Focus on Learning Self-Study Report. It has been a team effort to produce this report to meet the parameters of the Self-study and to reaffirm that East Side Adult Education is striving to fulfill its school purpose and to accomplish student achievement of the expected schoolwide learning results.