Our Strategic Projects for 2021
Our team is always looking for ways to better achieve our mission. To do so, we have built a list of desirable projects. Each of the following five accreditations and initiatives resonate with our mission and will allow us to better serve the EFBA community. Which one do you think we should focus on first?
Do you want to volunteer with us and make these strategic projects a reality? Apply here.
What: The Common Sense Recognition Program provides a roadmap for schools to adopt a whole-community approach to digital citizenship.
Why: Education technology has experienced an unprecedented leap forward in the past year. This project ensures that EFBA can leverage the rich academic experiences and opportunities that the digital world offers, while mitigating its risks.
Impact: Students have the right to be safe online and will learn to be responsible digital citizens who can adapt to the challenges and changes they will face in a rapidly transforming world. We will train our students to leverage the benefits of technology in the process of becoming better critical thinkers and future leaders.
What: The National Inclusion Project’s accreditation process recognizes and confirms that a program is intentionally and successfully serving individuals with and without disabilities.
Why: This project connects our students in their love and learning of the French language, regardless of culture, race, ability, or gender.
Impact: Through this process, we will encourage children to be more open-minded, compassionate, and tolerant of one another. Families will know without a doubt that our camps and programs practice full, meaningful inclusion that meets the highest of standards.
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
What: The ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training defines a proven model for developing valuable continuing education programs.
Why: This project emphasizes the importance of professional development for our team so that they can keep creating quality programs that meet our community’s needs.
Impact: As an educational organization, we also aim to help EFBA staff and volunteers develop professionally and gain new skills. By pursuing this accreditation, we will improve employee/volunteer engagement and retention, grow our team, and continue enhancing the strength of our programs.
UC Credit – High School Programs
What: UC-approved high school courses help students meet minimum admission requirements to the University of California system.
Why: This project allows us to increase our reach in promoting bilingual language education. The path to bilingualism can start at any age, and we want to support our students no matter where they are on their language journey.
Impact: By expanding our programs, we will be able to serve our students throughout their elementary, middle, and high school education. We will provide opportunities for students to continue their language learning and emphasize the importance of knowing other languages. Providing EFBA classes as an UC-approved course option will also help us accommodate the busy schedules of high school students.
Welcoming Schools Seal of Excellence
What: The Welcoming Schools Seal of Excellence certifies that a school actively works to ensure its programs are free of bias-based bullying.
Why: This project will help us inspire a love of becoming bilingual in a learning environment that is inclusive and safe for all of our students.
Impact: Gaining an educated, outside view on this topic would increase student and parent confidence that EFBA will provide a welcoming environment. Families and staff will be trained on embracing family diversity, creating LGBTQ and gender inclusive schools, supporting transgender and non-binary students, and preventing bias-based bullying.
Let us know what you think EFBA should prioritize by voting here! Voting ends on Sunday, February 28.
Regardless of which project(s) receives the most popular vote, at EFBA we are committed to carrying out all of these projects (and more, like adding STEM classes, teaching environmental citizenship, etc.), one by one. It might just take us more time. Our team is small but very driven. We will continue building an even better EFBA. Thank you for your trust and support!
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