orth American Division of Adventist Education has begun the process of moving the system toward deeper learning initiatives. After extensive research in best practices in Education, the North American Division Office of Education and the Union Directors of Education voted that NAD Schools would adopt Standards-based Education.

Standards-based Education refers to a system of instruction, assessment, and reporting that are based on students demonstrating understanding or mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education.

In schools that use standards-based approaches to educating students, learning standards—i.e., concise, written descriptions of what students are expected to know and be able to do at a specific stage of their education—determine the goals of a lesson or course, and teachers then determine how and what to teach students so they achieve the learning expectations described in the standards.

The Education Advisory Committee has written NAD Standards to inform Instruction, and Assessment. In order to create standards-based assessment documents that enable the NAD School System to report accurately on student achievement, we have adopted the Marzano’s solutions to grading and reporting. This gives us a common language, ensures rigorous standards and allows us to report on student achievement with accuracy across the division.

The NAD Office of Education has purchased Marzano’s proficiency scales that can be used to establish grading and reporting materials. As we approach the 2020-2021 school year, your Union Office of Education will be taking the lead in providing guidance, direction, and in-service to ensure a coordinated and smooth transition in this paradigm shift in Adventist Education.

Arne Nielsen

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Vice President for Education

Arne Nielsen, M.Ed.

VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION