An official certificate from the Washington Association for Learning Alternatives that showed up recently at Bayview High School says school staff is doing the best job possible in educating their students.

During a ceremony this spring, representatives from WALA presented Bayview staff and students with the official paperwork for the WALA certification which was actually approved in early 2001.

Bayview teacher Scott Mauk said the staff at the school worked hard for the recognition, which is actually two steps above the state accreditation. According to WALA guidelines Bayview was able to show continuous use of the best practices in alternative education.

“State accreditation ensures that the state education guidelines are being carried out, all the basic stuff,” Mauk said. “WALA certification covers more — the positive culture of a school.”

Bayview received the alternative certification after an intensive self-study and improvement plan that began in the fall of 2000.

“The mission of the plan is that all learners have unlimited potential, are valued and unique individuals, and are empowered and supported and have their developmental needs met at school,” Mauk said.