On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the Accrediting Commission of Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) conducted the six-year accreditation review of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (APA). This review follows the Academy’s initial accreditation in 2019, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards academic excellence and continuous improvement.
The school’s evaluation aligned rigorously with the ACS WASC Self-Study criteria, ensuring a thorough and multifaceted assessment. Key areas of focus included organization for student learning, curriculum, instruction and assessment, student personal and academic support, and the overall school culture and environment.
Elizabeth Oberreiter, Director of ACS WASC, led the on-site evaluation with a meticulous approach. Her visit involved detailed classroom observations, providing insights into instructional quality and student engagement. Ms. Oberreiter engaged in comprehensive discussions with randomly selected parents and students. She also observed the academy’s resources, including the library, costume room, computer lab, restroom facilities, and subject-specific amenities, ensuring they met the high standards expected by ACS WASC.
The APA educators, Akila Palipana and Nirosha Wijegunasekare from Sri Lanka and Umendra Kahadawaarachchi from the USA, interacted extensively with Ms. Oberreiter, showcasing their instructional methods and teaching strategies. Achala Weerasinghe, Operational Director of the APA, provided additional insights into the academy’s operational dynamics and educational vision from the onset of the visit.
In addition, Ms. Oberreiter visited the Sri Lanka Foundation headquarters office, and she convened with leadership figures, including Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, Founder/Chairman of the Board, Aeshea Jayasinghe, Co-Founder; Achala Weerasinghe, Operational Director of the APA, and Nayomi Jayasinghe, Assistant Senior Production Director. This discussion aimed to validate the quality and efficacy of APA’s programs and operations, offering a strategic overview of the institution’s goals and achievements.
The committee’s feedback was invaluable, providing the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts with critical insights and recommendations. This successful accreditation visit sets a promising precedent as the Academy eagerly awaits the final review of its accreditation status. The outcome will further solidify APA’s commitment to celebrate and present to a wide range of audiences the culture, language, dance, and arts of Sri Lanka through performances, workshops, educational outreach programs, and formal instruction.
