Certification Inspection Report MLFNS-W

Certification Inspection Report
BRITISH COLUMBIA PROGRAM
at
MAPLE LEAF FOREIGN NATIONALS SCHOOL – WUHAN
WUHAN, HUBEI
CHINA
NOVEMBER 21, 2014
INTRODUCTION
On November 21, 2014, a Certification Inspection was completed on Maple Leaf Foreign
Nationals School – Wuhan (MLFNS-W) in Wuhan, Hubei, China termed the School in this report.
The purpose of this inspection was to determine whether the requirements for the British
Columbia (BC) education program have been met, according to the BC Global Education
Program – Offshore Schools Certification Agreement. The inspection team (the Team),
appointed by the Director of International Education (the Director), British Columbia Ministry of
Education (MoE) in accordance with the BC Global Education Program – Offshore Schools
Certification Agreement (the Agreement), consisted of John Slofstra, Thomas Thompson and
Gloria Metzger (Chair).
The School’s BC Program has an enrolment of 30 students, in Grades K-9. The BC Program is
located on the same campus as a Chinese private middle and elementary school and a BC
Program Grade 10-12 school. All of the schools are under the ownership of the Maple Leaf
Educational Systems (MLES). The entire campus including the BC Program, enrols 2900
students.
During its visit to the School, the Team reviewed all standards required in the BC Global
Education Program – Offshore Schools Certification Agreement and Operating Manual and met
with the BC Principal and Vice-principal, BC Teachers, ESL Teachers and the Chinese
Headmaster. The School’s Owner/Operator and Offshore Program Consultant (OPC) were
unavailable due to scheduling conflicts involving other inspections within the Maple consortium
of schools.
The Owner/Operator of Maple Leaf Educational Systems Sherman, Jen is responsible for the BC
Program in Wuhan. Maple Leaf Educational Systems operates Maple Leaf International School
– Wuhan (BC certified Grade 10-12 Program in English) on the same campus in a separate
building. Also on campus in separate buildings are the Maple Leaf Chinese Middle School and
Elementary School.

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CERTIFICATION INSPECTION REPORT
10396788 MAPLE LEAF FOREIGN NATIONALS SCHOOL - WUHAN
Maple Leaf Educational System (MLES) has both Chinese and BC Offshore schools located in 9
cities throughout China. The BC program has 7senior high school campuses. The 2 campuses in
Dalian (one for boys and the other for girls) are registered as one senior high school. In addition
MLES operates 2 Foreign Nationals Schools offering a K-9 program. There are more than 6500
students in the Certified BC Offshore School Program. MLES also operates Chinese schools with
over 8500 students. These schools include 10 middle schools, 9 elementary schools and 11 pre-
schools. In total there are 39 schools under the authority of the MLES.
The BC Program’s philosophy, objectives and/or special features include:
• Moral education with the core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and hard work
• A focus on the development of learning opportunities outside the classroom through
field trips, Destination Imagination activities and extracurricular activities
• An emphasis on strong professional relationships and sense of family and community
• A strong relationship with Maple Leaf International School established through ESL
support and structured activities.
The School is to be commended for creating a strong sense of family within the community of
professionals, support staff, students and parents.
The Team would like to thank Maple Leaf Foreign Nationals School - Wuhan for its hospitality,
cooperation and preparedness for the inspection visit.
The School has satisfactorily addressed requirements contained in the previous inspection
report.
Requirement Met Requirement Not Met
Comment:
The School was last inspected in November of 2012. There were two recommendations in that
inspection report: to improve consistency in course overviews to reflect the use of the BC
Performance Standards and to be intentional about distinguishing learning activities and
assessment strategies for each multi-grade class, thus ensuring the appropriate scaffolding of
learning. The Team found clear evidence that the BC Performance Standards have been
incorporated into course overviews and in assessment and evaluations practices. Further,
course overviews and daily teacher planning documents indicated and delineated outcomes and
assessment strategies reflecting the multi-graded classrooms.

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OWNERSHIP AND AGREEMENTS / BUILDING
AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE 2.0
2.1 The Owner/Operator meets all other requirements as set forth in the BC Global Education
Program Offshore Schools Certification Agreement (The Agreement).
Comment:
The Owner/Operator meets all of the requirements outlined in the Agreement. The Team
reviewed the signed Certification Agreement between the Owner/Operator and the Ministry of
Education. The School is committed to supporting the BC Global Education program and are
interested in continuing to move the School forward in a productive and thoughtful way.
2.2 The School meets local building, safety and cafeteria codes and regulations. The facilities
are deemed to be suitable to support the BC Program.
Comment:
Documentation was examined and the Team was able to confirm that building, safety and
cafeteria codes and regulations are being met. The MLFNS-W shares facilities with the Maple
Leaf Elementary School. The facilities solely used by the MLFNS-W include four classrooms, a
staff room and a preparatory room. Shared facilities include a general office, two multipurpose
classrooms, two theatres, a staff room, library, music room, gymnasium and outdoors facilities.
The School moved this year from the first floor to the second floor of the building as a result of
expansion of the Maple Leaf Elementary School. This move is perceived by the School to be
very positive for the BC program.
Fire drills and earthquake drills are conducted on a regular basis.
2.1 (v) The Owner/Operator has filed a Business Plan with the BC Ministry of Education,
confirming the sustainability of the Program.
Comment:
The Team noted that a comprehensive business plan has been filed with the BC Ministry of
Education. The Inspection Team reviewed the business plan in detail. The audited financial
statement will be filed by November 30, 2014. The Chinese administration in the Chinese
middle and elementary schools are actively supportive of the BC Program at MLFNS-W.

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Six of the 30 students live in the dormitories, which appear to be well supervised and
maintained. Medical services are available at all times.
ADMINISTRATION 3.0
3.2 Offshore Program Consultant (OPC) - The Owner/Operator may appoint an individual to
act as Offshore Program Consultant. This individual must be confirmed by the Province and
must meet all of the requirements set out in Section 14 of the Agreement.
Comment:
The Owner/Operator has appointed an Offshore Program Consultant and a request for an
exemption to the OPC requirement for this individual was approved by the Province in May 14,
2014. A comprehensive job description was provided which included diverse responsibilities for
all of the BC Program schools in the Maple Leaf Educational System organization.
3.3 The Principal meets the requirements as outlined in Section 3.3 of the Inspection
Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
The Principal of MLFNS-W fulfills all of the requirements as outlined in the Offshore Agreement
Section 1.4. His experience includes three years of teaching in Canada and nine years in China.
After serving two years as a vice-principal in this School he was appointed principal in
September of 2012. The Principal is also responsible for the Maple Leaf International School on
the same campus.
The Team examined a detailed job description that included the duties and role of the principal.
The Teacher Handbook includes this detailed description as well as the duties and roles of the
vice-principal and other administrative support staff.

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3.4 The School meets the Administrative Support requirements as outlined in Section 3.4 of
the Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
The Team confirms that all the Administrative Support requirements as outlined in Section 2.3
of the Inspection Catalogue have been met. Additional administrative support includes a Vice-
principal and a Chinese counsellor fluent in English.
The school administrative software is Windsor/TESS. The school meets the Ministry’s
requirements for Internet connectivity as outlined in schedule F of the Agreement.
3.5 The School meets the Student Record requirements as outlined in Section 3.5 of the
Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
Student files contain copies of school registration forms, report cards and Personal Information
consent forms. While the Permanent Student Record Cards were not present in the files, they
were viewed electronically.
3.6 The School meets the Teacher Certification requirements as outlined in Section 3.6 of the
Comment:
The Team confirms that all Authorized Persons under The Agreement possess valid and
current certification under the BC Teachers’ Regulation Branch.
The Team confirms Criminal Record Checks have been undertaken for all Teacher Assistants
employed by the School. All teachers of exempted courses have provided translated copies of
local teacher certification.
All teacher files contained evidence of TRB certification, a teacher contract, BC Ministry of
Education personal information consent form and teacher evaluations as per school policy.
MLFNS–W provides comprehensive and on-going professional development opportunities for
all staff in the area of ESL best instructional practices in addition to many other professional
workshop activities scheduled throughout the year. MLFNS–W is to be commended for the

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provision and implementation of such an extensive number of professional development
opportunities for the staff.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM 4.0
4.1 The School meets the requirements for English Language Assessment and Acquisition as
outlined in Section 4.1 of the Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
The BC Principal assesses all new students and determines whether a student applicant will be
able to achieve success at the appropriate grade level. The assessment test is made up of an
oral and reading/comprehension component.
A locally certified ESL teacher is employed to support students who require help. The amount
of ESL support has been increased from last year.
Commendations:
The Team commends the Principal for his personal involvement in determining the suitability
of student applicants for the School, thereby demonstrating support for the integrity of the
school’s program and goals.
The Team commends the school for increasing the amount of ESL support provided to
students this year.
4.2 The School meets the Course Credit requirements (equivalency, challenge, exemptions
and BAA courses) as outlined in Section 4.2 of the Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
The Principal reviews the transcripts of all accepted applicants to determine whether they have
satisfied the requirements to move into the grade level for which they have applied.
There are no BAA courses and a challenge process is not applicable at these grade levels. A
locally certified teacher teaches mandarin at the Grade 5-9 levels.

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4.3 The School meets the Course Overview requirements as outlined in Schedule B Part I (d)
of the Agreement; namely, that all BC Program courses offered in the School meet or exceed
the learning outcomes identified in the Educational Program Guides for each course, with a
course overview for each course that includes content, teaching strategies, evaluation and
assessment methods which are clearly linked to the BC learning outcomes.
Comment:
The Team visited all classrooms and inspected planning documents relevant to the subjects
being taught. Course overviews demonstrated alignment with all subjects in the BC curriculum
while differentiating for each grade level in multi-graded classrooms. Each teacher presented a
tabbed binder containing the following documents:
• Short-term, long-term and daily planning, content, planning for assessment using
performance standards, achievement indicators and links to the prescribed learning
outcomes
• Pyramid of interventions for students who may need additional support
• Assessments used with some examples of student work.
Commendations:
The Team commends MLFNS-W for the extensive planning and differentiating of instruction
and assessment for multi-graded classrooms.
4.4 The School meets the Instructional Time Allotments requirements as outlined in Section
4.4 of the Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools, including the requirements set out in
sections 1.1 to 6, with the exception of s. 4(5)(b), of Ministerial Order 41/91, the Educational
Standards Order, enacted under the Independent School Act.
Comment:
During the inspection, the Team confirmed that MLFNS-W meets and exceeds the instructional
time and learning outcome requirements as described in the pertinent orders.
The School provides 5 professional development days to teachers in August on teaching and
learning while focusing on strategies to enhance instruction for English language learners. The
Team also observed evidence of teachers developing English language proficiency by focusing
on spelling, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking and listening in and outside of the classroom.
Commendations:
The Team commends the School and its teachers for creating classroom learning
environments that look and feel as though you are in a BC classroom as demonstrated by the

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posters, samples of student work, learning centres and classroom tools and resources.
4.5 The School meets the Assessment Methods requirements as outlined in Section 4.5 of the
Comment:
Teachers demonstrate the use of a variety of assessment methods. Their use of the
Performance Standards in this regard is exemplary.
There is an abundance of student work displayed in the classrooms and in the hallways to
highlight student learning and achievement.
Report cards distributed to parents three times a year, are thorough and extensive in the
information provided to parents. The School ensures that assessment and reporting are carried
out to a high standard.
4.6 The School meets the Learning Resources requirements as outlined in Section 4.6 of the
Comment:
The Team confirms that MLFNS-W meets the expectations for Learning Resources as outlined in
the requirements. The librarian from the Maple Leaf International School-Wuhan meets with
the K-3 student group and the 4-9 student group separately once per week. The library is open
and available to students and teachers during the day. Management of textbooks and novels
for courses offered within the BC Program are handled through the librarian.
MLFNS-W has worked hard to create an environment to support students by providing access
to a collection of levelled fiction and non-fiction resources as well as a variety of periodicals. To
further support student inquiry and research, the school purchased a site license for students
to access ProQuest databases on the MLIS-W library.
In the coming months, the librarian will be initiating a school wide levelled reading program
showcasing contemporary Canadian literature. Additional reading initiatives include the
purchase of a site license for TumbleBooks providing online access to over 700 book titles most
suitable for students in Grades 4-9.
Commendations:

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The School is to be commended for the number of initiatives and efforts made to increase
the library selection and access to online resources.
4.7 The School meets the Student Progress Report requirements as outlined in Section 4.7 of
the Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
The Team observed that student progress reports for all grades contained the necessary
information regarding subjects, summaries of achievement, work habits, DPA and social
responsibility. More specifically, Grades K-3 use progress levels to summarize achievement and
Grades 4-9 use letter grades. MLFNS-W teachers report Language Arts in the categories of
reading, writing and listening and speaking. They also provide detailed descriptions of what
students are learning, how they are achieving the learning outcomes and what they need to do
in order to improve.
Commendation:
The School is to be commended for the quality and specificity of information provided to
parents on the student progress reports.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT 5.0
5.1 The School meets the Parent / Student Handbook requirements as outlined in Section 5.1
of the Inspection Catalogue for Offshore Schools.
Comment:
The School has a comprehensive Parent/Student Handbook containing information relevant to
the operation of the school. The Handbook contains some information that is generic to all the
Maple Leaf schools, but has also been customized for this School in particular. The School
website clearly articulates in English and Mandarin the school’s policies and procedures
including policies relating to student assessment, admissions, discipline, supervision, appeals
and dispute resolution. The School is encouraged to include a section in the Handbook referring
parent’s to the website for this specific information.

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5.2 The School meets the Teacher Handbook requirements as outlined in Section 5.2 of the
Comment:
The School has a Teacher Handbook developed by Maple Leaf Educational Systems head office.
The Handbook is comprehensive containing detailed information on all required areas plus
information specific to the needs of the Maple Leaf system.
CONCLUSION
Commendations
The Inspection Team wishes to recognize the Owner/Operator, Principal and staff of Maple
Leaf Foreign Nationals School - Wuhan for:
• creating a strong sense of family within the community of professionals, support staff,
students and parents.
• creating classroom learning environments that look and feel as though you are in a BC
classroom as demonstrated by the posters, samples of student work, learning centres
and classroom tools and resources.
• the number of initiatives and efforts made to increase the library selection and access to
online resources for students.
• the quality and specificity of information provided to parents on the student progress
reports.
• the Principal’s personal involvement in determining the suitability of student applicants,
thereby demonstrating support for the integrity of the school’s program and goals.
• increasing the amount of ESL support within the School this year.
• teachers purposeful planning and differentiating of instruction and assessment for
multi-graded classrooms.
SUMMATIVE RECOMMENDATION
The Offshore Inspection Team recommends to the Director of International Education
that the British Columbia Program offered at Maple Leaf Foreign Nationals School -
Wuhan be recognized as a British Columbia Certified Program.

Certification Inspection Report MLFNS-W

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