The goal of Adventist Education is to point students heavenward, to gain a knowledge and understanding of God, while enabling students to acquire the knowledge and skills that will equip them to be successful in this world. The central theme of Adventist education is that “the work of education and redemption are one.” We point students to “something better.”

Journey to Excellence (J2E)

J2E provides the roadmap for Adventist education in the 21st century and embraces the tenet that Adventist education must build on the strengths of the past to create a dynamic future. Curricular goals, essential core elements of the instructional program, and nine preferred practices central to the creation and success of ideal Adventist schools are identified in J2E. With renewed purpose , effective plans for improvement and innovative practices, schools and students will thrive in a rapidly-changing educational environment.

Journey to Excellence through Literacy

The North American Division is developing a new elementary language arts program that is designed around an integrated Seventh-day Adventist curriculum that combines reading, writing and spelling. The Pathways program will cover broad themes and a scope and sequence of skills. Students will read award-winning trade books that feature Christian values. Through quality literature, students will not only learn to read but will also develop a lifelong love of reading.

Curriculum

Curriculum guides aligned with national curricular standards provide teachers with the essential learnings for each course of study as well as a recommended course outline. The curriculum development process includes the review and adoption of textbooks that reflect national standards. Teacher resource materials enable teachers to integrate technology in the curriculum and assist as they plan to meet the learning needs of students. Students graduating from an Adventist high school with a college-prep diploma are able to meet the entrance requirements of colleges and universities.

Small Schools Curriculum

The children who attend one- or two-teacher schools gain the benefit of a quality education in a family atmosphere. Since the teacher to student ratio is usually low, the students often have enhanced opportunities for dialogue with the teacher. Materials have been developed whereby students in various grades can study some topics together, each student progressing on a level appropriate to his/her educational needs.

Academic Performance

Analyses and tracking of standardized test results support the assertion that the longer a student is in the Adventist school system the more striking the academic progress. A new division-wide study (Cognitivegenesis) will provide additional data and enable more targeted interventions to meet student needs.

Spiritual Connections and Service

A meaningful religion curriculum and a carefully coordinated program of activities afford students the opportunity to get to know God. Comprehensive research supports the conclusion that an Adventist education plays a significant role in the involvement of youth in the life of the Adventist church. A purposeful emphasis on service provides curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to serve in the local community and around the world.

Teacher Preparation

Teachers who complete certification requirements at La Sierra University and Pacific Union College are served by programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and by the Office of Education at the General Conference. The preparation includes general instruction in multi-cultural and multi-grade education, technology integration, methods courses in each subject taught, and instruction for teaching English language learners and students with special needs.

Teacher Credentialing

Teacher professional growth and accountability is ensured through the use of teacher performance standards and regular teacher evaluations. Teachers are also expected to participate in professional growth activities and take additional coursework to maintain a teaching certificate. Continuing education opportunities are provided to employees by the system. Many Adventist teachers hold both state and Adventist teaching credentials.

School Accreditation

School evaluation instruments predicated on standards hold an institution accountable for its own objectives. All Adventist schools are accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities, Inc. All senior academies are also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Early Childhood Education and Care

Adventist early childhood professionals value small programs and classrooms which allow for the development of relationships and lend themselves to the sharing of the gospel. Through the use of developmentally appropriate interdisciplinary curriculum, both child and teacher are brought closer to Christ by the intentional teaching of real and meaningful concepts. Supporting the mission of evangelism for young children, Pacific Union early childhood administrators have set ever-increasing expectations for teacher and administrator qualifications and certification standards. This has led to the development of training modules to foster the most effective teaching and leadership qualities, a formal operational licensing process, organizational policies, procedures and guidelines necessary for cohesiveness, and a pilot study of various program evaluation and accreditation instruments. These advancements are unique to the Pacific Union and provide for the establishment and maintenance of early childhood education and care facilities. Learn more at: http://www.puconline.org/article.php?id=148

The watch words of Adventist Education are “Something Better.” The teachers and administrators in the Pacific Union are committed to offering an education that is “something better.”