Foundations
This self-study process starts by asking whether the school's programs and policies reflect this statement of purpose.
What is the SCHOOL MISSION
This group holds the ultimate responsibility for the school’s mission, policies, and long-term success.
What is the governing body or board of trustees?
This term refers to how well a school’s curriculum aligns with its mission and student needs.
What is curriculum coherence?
These professionals support student learning alongside classroom teachers.
Who are instructional aides or paraprofessionals?
Schools must align their curriculum with these to ensure consistency and relevance.
What are academic standards or state standards?
This foundational value requires the school to be honest and fair in grading, discipline, admissions, and communication.
What is ETHICS and INTEGRITY?
The person responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the school and implementing school policies.
Who is the SCHOOL PRINCIPAL?
Schools must ensure this type of curriculum progression across grade levels.
What is vertical alignment?
Ongoing workshops and training for teachers fall under this category.
What is professional development?
This kind of alignment ensures that concepts build logically from grade to grade.
What is vertical alignment?
This area looks at how the school uses its money, buildings, and technology to support student learning.
What is PLANNING & RESOURCES?
Good governance includes making sure that this kind of decision-making structure is in place, where everyone knows their roles.
What Clear Organizational Structure?
Teachers use these documents to ensure consistency in what is taught across subjects and grade levels.
What are curriculum maps or pacing guides?
Schools must ensure teachers have this to legally and effectively teach their subjects.
What is certification or licensure?
A curriculum should reflect and support this school-wide purpose statement.
What is the school mission or vision?
This self-study checks whether students are getting the support they need both in class and through counseling and extracurriculars.
What is STUDENT LEARNING & SUPPORT SERVICES?
This self-study evaluates how institutional leadership, including the board and president, ensure mission fulfillment.
What is GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION
Schools use this process to check that curriculum matches standards and prepares students for future success.
What is curriculum review and alignment?
This school leader oversees staff, budget, and student performance.
Who is the principal?
This process involves regularly examining and updating what is taught.
What is curriculum review or curriculum mapping?
This process helps the school figure out what's working and what need to improve by using test scores, surveys, and performance data.
What is ASSESSMENT & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT?
This foundation challenges institutions to plan for long-term success while embracing positive transformation.
What is sustainability and innovation?
This concept ensures that curriculum is relevant, challenging, and responsive to student diversity.
What is culturally responsive curriculum design?
Schools use this process to evaluate teacher effectiveness and guide growth.
What is teacher evaluation or observation?
Teachers ensure lessons are aligned to standards by using this tool.
What is a curriculum map or unit plan?