Operational Review
The Maple Bear Global Excellence (GLEX) program was established by Maple Bear Global Schools to ensure consistent excellence in school operations and administration across the Maple Bear network. Conducted by the Regional Operations Team, GLEX evaluates school operations against a comprehensive set of standards. The review covers areas critical to effective school functioning, including legal compliance, facilities management, health and safety, academic administration, personnel management, branding, commercial activities, and general school administration.
The Quality Assurance Instrument Focus
GLEX serves as MBGS’s quality control program to maintain operational consistency across its network. The purpose of GLEX includes:
- Consistency: Ensuring all Maple Bear schools adhere to standardized procedures, creating a uniform experience for students and parents worldwide.
- Efficiency: Standardized practices improve school operations, leading to better service quality.
- Parent and Student Satisfaction: By delivering high-quality and reliable services, schools foster trust and satisfaction among parents and students.
- Brand Integrity: High operational standards protect the Maple Bear brand image, minimizing reputational risks across regions.
- Compliance: Ensuring that schools meet legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
- Recognition of Excellence: GLEX is also designed to celebrate best practices and operational excellence within the network.
Frequency of Operational Reviews
Each Maple Bear school undergoes at least one GLEX review annually. The types of operational visits include:
- Annual GLEX Assessment: A yearly, comprehensive evaluation of each school.
- Follow-up: Targeted follow-up visits as needed based on the previous GLEX assessment findings.
- Training Visits: As new Maple Bear programs or operational updates are introduced, schools may receive additional training visits to implement these changes effectively.
New Maple Bear schools must complete their first GLEX assessment within their initial semester, ensuring they align with Maple Bear’s standards early on.
Global Excellence Program Assessment Instrument
The GLEX Assessment Instrument examines seven Domains with total of 50 standards, which are scored according to the following rubric – As Standard, Minor Infraction, Major Infraction, Critical Infraction.
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Legal & Regulatory
The 3 standards under this domain confirm that school has the appropriate legal infrastructure, including licenses, documents, and standing with local regulatory bodies, in place to ensure the business can operate within the defined regulatory environment. -
Facilities
The 21 standards under this domain confirm that the school facilities, including all external and internal infrastructure which comprise the school site, are up to Maple Bear standard. This means that they are clean, organized, in good repair, safe, and consistent with Maple Bear brand standards. -
Health & Safety
The 8 standards under this domain confirm that the school has the necessary processes and procedures in place to ensure the safety of the school community and visitors while on school premises. -
Academic
The 4 standards under this domain confirm that school is engaging in academic activities (training and quality assurance) in alignment with Maple Bear standard and that the classrooms are appropriately resourced to execute the Maple Bear program. -
People
The 5 standards under this domain confirm that the school is fully staffed with qualified professionals who have the expertise required to successfully operate in their function, and that they are equipped with and demonstrate compliance with staff policies and procedures. -
Commercial
The 4 standards in this domain confirm that the school has marketing practices in place to ensure the long-term success of the school by successfully managing the student enrolment cycle and student drop-off rate. -
School Administration
The 5 standards in this domain confirm that the school has the appropriate administrative policies, processes, and procedures in place to ensure an effective school operation. This includes IT systems, finance, front desk administration, and engagement with the school community.
New Maple Bear schools must complete their first GLEX assessment within their initial semester, ensuring they align with Maple Bear’s standards early on.
The Importance of being part of a Global Network
Maple Bear Global Schools oversees the development and upkeep of Operational standards and resources. Responsibilities include:
- Developing the Global Excellence program and maintaining updated standards in the GLEX manuals.
- Selecting and managing the platform for GLEX administration and providing access to the Regional Operations Team.
- Recognizing high-performing schools and supporting those requiring improvement.
Regional Operations Teams lead the annual GLEX cycle, visiting each school to assess performance across all domains. Key responsibilities include:
- Pre-visit virtual planning with School Leadership to coordinate the assessment.
- Conducting school visits to gather evidence and insights for the GLEX assessment.
- Collaborating with school leaders to establish actionable School Improvement Plans (SIP) based on the assessment findings.
- Regularly following up with school leaders to track SIP progress and provide training as needed.
The School Visit Process
The GLEX school visit allows Regional Operations Teams and School Leadership to collaboratively develop a clear picture of school operations. The process includes:
Post-Visit Follow-Up
Within one week of the visit, the Regional Operations Team meets with school leaders to review the finalized School Improvement Plan, created through the GLEX platform. Monthly meetings between the Regional Operations Team and the school leadership ensure progress on action items and help address any new needs identified during the GLEX assessment.
Overview of Maple Bear Quality Assurance Program
At Maple Bear Global Schools, we are committed to delivering a consistent, high-quality educational experience across all schools worldwide. The Maple Bear Quality Assurance (MBQA) program was developed to maintain this standard, ensuring every student receives an exceptional education aligned with Canadian methodology and pedagogy.
Each Maple Bear school undergoes an annual MBQA review led by expert Canadian School Administrators, bringing their extensive experience in instructional leadership and school management to support and evaluate our schools. Through this standardized process, we ensure rigorous academic standards and effective educational practices at every Maple Bear school globally.
Purpose of the Maple Bear Quality Assurance Program
- Consistency and Cohesion: Ensuring that all Maple Bear schools deliver a unified, high-quality educational experience.
- Quality, Rigour, and Accountability: Upholding rigorous standards across all educational levels, from Early Childhood to High School.
- Enhanced Student Achievement: Fostering an environment that promotes student success, well-being, and continuous improvement.
- Framework for Continuous Improvement: Providing a structured framework that supports schools in self-assessment, school improvement planning, and compliance with Maple Bear’s standards.
Through these objectives, the MBQA program fosters ongoing progress, strategic planning, and a strong alignment with Maple Bear’s mission of excellence.
Frequency of Quality Assurance Reviews
After a school’s initial year of operation, the MBQA is conducted annually. This regular cycle ensures each school is supported in maintaining and continuously enhancing educational quality.
The Quality Assurance Instrument Focus
The Quality Assurance Instrument examines four Domains, as each of the Domains consists of Indicators that are rated accordingly – Limited, Below Expectations, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations:
Integrity of Maple Bear and Local Programming
7 Indicators that assure the Standard:
The school maintains the tenets of bilingual education in national and international programs which is realized through a commitment to program implementation, appropriate staffing requirements and the development and acquisition of resources.
Leadership and Management
7 Indicators that assure the Standard:
Effective school leaders are central to a culture of high expectations in an inclusive approach to teaching and learning, the development of excellent teaching, excellent schools and ultimately, enhanced student achievement and well-being.
Quality of Instruction and Learning
7 Indicators that assure the Standard:
Teachers leave a lasting impact by fostering a positive, student-centered environment where motivation, engagement, and student voice thrive. They embrace inclusivity, encouraging curiosity and creativity through collaborative and innovative learning experiences.
Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting
5 Indicators that assure the Standard:
The school uses assessment data to identify and plan for instruction that continuously moves students from current level of knowledge, understanding and skills to the next level of achievement.
The Importance of being part of a Global Network
Ensure each school undergoes an annual MBQA review.
Monitor the School Improvement Plans, meeting with school leadership to support the implementation of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals.
Identify training needs and provide access to development opportunities.
Academic Quality Assurance Reviewers
Conduct comprehensive school evaluations, reviewing instructional practices and school culture.
Lead discussions with school leadership, observing teacher practices and interviewing staff to understand strengths and areas for improvement.
Collaborate with school leaders to draft actionable School Improvement Plans with SMART goals tailored to the school's unique context.