Partner Talks: Bonnie Ricci from ICAISA Explores the Interplay of Technology and School Accreditation

Talking Technology with ATLIS

Resources

• International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA)
• Connect with Bonnie on LinkedIn
• ATLIS360
• EE Ford Foundation
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• ATLIS thanks our vendor partners for their support!

Have you ever considered the behind-the-scenes intricacies of school accreditation, especially in the era of ever-evolving technology? In a recent episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS, host Christina Lewellen, Executive Director of ATLIS, invites Bonnie Ricci, Executive Director of ICAISA, to discuss this niche yet vital topic. Accompanied by co-hosts Bill Stites and Hiram Cuevas, they embark on a journey into the evolving landscape of school accreditation and the pivotal role of technology, making this complex topic accessible and engaging.

The conversation started with each person sharing their first job experiences, illustrating diverse beginnings leading to their current influential roles in education and technology. Ricci, with her rich background in education, shared her journey from a dishwasher to her prestigious role at ICAISA. This progression epitomizes the unexpected paths to leadership roles in education and technology.

Ricci shares, “I was really destined in many ways to become a teacher. I spent a little over a decade teaching middle school math at three different independent schools. I loved connecting deeply with the people in schools. And so from there, I moved from the classroom to Association work.” Her story is a testament to the evolving nature of careers in these fields, where initial aspirations often transform into roles far more impactful than imagined.

The podcast's core discussion centered around accreditation in independent schools. Ricci emphasized how technology is increasingly integral to the accreditation process. She illustrated this with examples of schools leveraging technology for self-study preparations and the use of AI to streamline accreditation documentation. This innovative approach highlights a shift from traditional methods to more technologically driven processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

A significant part of the conversation was dedicated to the challenges schools face during accreditation. Ricci shared insights from a study conducted by ICAISA, revealing governance as a key area of focus. The study, funded by the E. Ford Foundation, analyzed governance-related recommendations from various schools, uncovering common themes and challenges. Ricci states, "We're in the middle of this project to look at individual recommendations from visiting team reports. All of these things are governance challenges that arise in visiting team reports... And then ultimately to determine what are the resources that ICAISA or member accrediting associations can provide to schools." This research underscores the importance of continual improvement in school governance practices.

In a compelling segment of the podcast, Ricci probed into the critical role of technology in the accreditation process, underscoring its importance not only in facilitating but also in securing the procedure. She emphasized the necessity of a technological and data security perspective in managing the accreditation process. "If you don't have that technological lens or the data security lens you're not necessarily going to remember or be aware of how to change those permissions or how to delete certain files," Ricci stated. This insight sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of data management and security in educational settings. It highlights how technology leaders in schools play a pivotal role, not just in implementing technological solutions, but also in ensuring the integrity and security of the accreditation process. Ricci's remarks underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by educational institutions in the digital age, where understanding and managing technology becomes as crucial as the educational content itself.

Ricci highlighted the opportunities for technology leaders, saying, "These are elements of the school that we need to be tapped into and thinking about in order to ensure that we're the best possible institution and providing the best possible experience for our students. Support and innovation are key ways for technology leaders to have an impact in their schools.” This collaborative approach ensures that technology is not just a tool but an integral part of a school's strategic vision.

The episode wrapped by highlighting the evolving role of technology leaders in educational settings. As Ricci astutely pointed out, integrating technology into the fabric of educational governance and strategy is not just an option but a necessity in today's digital landscape. This conversation serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution and adaptation required, urging independent schools to embrace technological advancements not only as tools but as integral components of their strategic vision.

About Our Guest

Bonnie J. Ricci began as the Executive Director of ICAISA in the summer of 2019. Throughout her career, she has held numerous positions within independent schools including teacher, advisor, coach, and Head of School. Bonnie’s passion for accreditation as a tool for growth was sparked when she served on several accreditation visiting teams. Following this passion, she spent a decade providing leadership within the areas of accreditation, professional development, and governance at the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE). Bonnie holds degrees from Williams College and Worcester State University. Analytical by nature, Bonnie is intensely service oriented, and derives deep satisfaction through supporting others in assessing challenges and solving problems. Using these skills, Bonnie has dedicated her career to serving the educational community as a Board member, conference presenter, facilitator, consultant, and enthusiastic advocate for accreditation and independent school education. She currently serves on the Lesley Ellis School Advisory Board and the Schools For Children, Inc Board. She previously served as the Clerk for Apprentice Learning, a nonprofit providing apprenticeships for underserved Middle School students in Boston Public Schools.

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