Youth Advisory Council Helps With Accreditation Efforts

Sonia Wang

Math teacher Rachel Schneble, Youth Advisory Council member and sophomore Addi Arredondo and parent Sarah Chen discuss Portola High’s assessment process as part of the self-study process used for accreditation. “I’m proud to have my voice heard and be able to speak for other students that want problems addressed and faced,” Arredondo said.

As part of the accreditation process Portola High goes through with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in a six-year cycle, the Principal’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) offers valuable student feedback during the self-study phase of accreditation through monthly meetings with staff and administration.

In the self-study process, 25 students, 10 parents and staff members are placed into five groups to discuss goals in various areas: curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, school culture and school organization, according to assistant principal Jen Ochsner.

“We take a look at all of our programs and evaluate those against the goals that we set six years ago,” Ochsner said. “How are we doing on those goals? What areas are our strengths? What areas need more growth? And then we set goals for the next six year cycle.”

Led by WASC coordinator and math teacher Shelley Godett, the self-study process will take place for the next two semesters, according to Ochsner. This will be the second full cycle of accreditation for Portola High.

“We want to make sure that our school’s environment is sustainable for students and help to uplift students to reach their potential,” YAC council member and senior Umashankar said. “We want to make sure there’s no open holes in our education system, and every student is able to get what they want from Portola High.”

Of the 25 students involved in the self-study, 16 of them belong to YAC. YAC consists of four students from each grade level who offer input on Portola High’s vision, mission and core values, according to Umashankar.

“I really think it’s valuable to have a student’s perspective, especially in the WASC process,” Umashankar said. “Teachers do have a lot of experience in education, but a student knows how the education system that they’re undergoing can most benefit them, and what modifications could occur to best help them learn.”

Following the self-study, Portola High administrators and staff will gather all information obtained into a 50 page report with links and data that showcase the school’s activities, room for growth and goals, according to Ochsner. The next phase of accreditation consists of a visit by outside teachers and administrators in February 2026 to determine if the school’s goals regarding accreditation are met, according to Ochsner.

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About the Contributor

Sonia Wang, Features Editor

Sonia Wang is the Features Editor and a Business Manager for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. This year, she plans to utilize her skills to make as much money for the Pilot as possible. When she’s not chasing down interview sources or trying to find advertisers, you can find her reading a good fantasy book, journaling or trying to take a much-needed nap.