WASC’s visit beneficially affected students

By Adam Enomoto
Staff Writer

This past February and March, Mira Costa has been working in overdrive to prepare our school for the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) arrival. The WASC’s visit was beneficial because it hurried up advancements in the construction and the upgrades of the school.

The campus now mimics the long-standing reputation as one of the top schools in California. The introduction of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) is one of the six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The ACS WASC provides assistance to schools located throughout California, Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Fiji, Asia, and other parts of the world.

Because accreditation requires continual self-evaluation, frequent reports, and periodic external review, the public can be assured that the educational quality of classes and programs offered by the institution are current and reflect high standards of quality. Since receiving a good report is valued by Mira Costa, the administration is making sure Costa reflects a positive image to WASC. Also by finally finishing the $67 million renovation that has been in progress, Costa looks much more like a complete and top caliber school.

Recently Costa has opened up the Mustang Mall, which has led to a huge amount of open space. Prior to clearing the construction, students had difficulty getting to their classes on time since the construction slowed them down. Also in order to please and show off to WASC, Costa has cleared most of the construction to make the school more visually appealing.

According to junior John Vansickle, the rapid opening of the Mustang Mall has made Costa a much more inviting campus. Along with cutting the time between walking to class, he believes that the grassy hills and open setting suggest a college-like setting. Having a central gathering place on a previously disjointed campus will greatly benefit the students.

To prepare for WASC, Costa has been putting teacher names outside the classroom doors to provide a more professional perception of the school. Also, Costa has added new trash and recycling receptacles to make it easier for students to help clean up the campus as well. By cleaning up the school, Costa has made the school more attractive. Because Costa worked tirelessly to finish the construction and still continue to improve our school, WASC has enormously assisted Costa’s advancements.

Since it has been proven that educational institutions benefit from the stimulus for self-study and self-improvement provided by the accreditation process, Costa believes that WASC will be a great opportunity to see where we stand among others. WASC’s arrival truly is beneficial simply because our school has improved more than most students have seen in a short period of time.