Mazel tov! Jewish school receives accreditation

EXTRA CREDIT-From left, Principal Nili Ziv, Rabbi Gershon Johnson and Cantor Kenny Ellis of Temple Bether Haverim display the certificate of accreditation awarded to the temple's religious school by the Bureau of Jewish Education of Los Angeles. This is the second time the school has received the honor. The accreditation of the religious school at Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills has been renewed, officials said.

It is the second time the school has been honored with accreditation. The first award was in 2000. The school is eligible to apply every six years.

"Accreditation is validation that the school is going in the right direction in terms of accomplishing our goals," Principal Nili Ziv said. "Being recognized in this way is a reaffirmation of the legitimacy and quality of education in our school."

The accreditation process took three steps. The first called for the school to complete an extensive self-study assessing goals and accomplishments.

Then, an on-site visitation by experienced Jewish education professionals was conducted. A committee of four spent two days at Beth Haverim's religious school in February observing each class, meeting with Ziv, teachers, the rabbi, cantor and education committee. An assessment was conducted to determine if the selfstudy report reflected existing programs and the school's educational environment.

Finally, the visiting team compiled a report that was presented to the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles Accrediting Commission for Schools.

The Beth Haverim report commended Ziv for her creative programming and for the school's "warm" atmosphere. Students were recognized for their class involvement and good behavior.