What is School Self-Assessment? (2)




		SSA is based on the following principles: SSA supports schools in developing a culture of inquiry and reflection focused on the continuous improvement of teaching and learning. SSA occurs within the context of a school’s teaching and learning goals, not according to an external checklist. SSA fosters an evidence-based approach that identifies and describes the ways in which a school is meeting its goals and encourages schools to build on the areas in which they are already strong. SSA raises questions to help schools improve teaching and learning; it does not give schools a “recipe” for reform. SSA depends on the commitment and knowledge of educators trained in the methodology of review to make informed judgments about schools.		In Michigan, 15 schools, including rural and urban schools in predominantly low-income districts, have become engaged in SSA from 1997 to 2002. AED provides a program of professional development that is research-based and aligned with national standards for professional development. The professional development consists of a sequence of workshops and institutes; an ongoing network for SSA practitioners; and on-site assistance from regional partners.



				AED emphasizes developing the capacity of educational organizations in a region to assist schools with implementing SSA. Thus, school teams have the support of regional SSA partners in implementing the project in their schools. In Michigan, such partners include:
				Detroit Public Schools Kalamazoo Regional Education Services Agency Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools Michigan Schools in the Middle/Central Michigan University UP Center for Educational Development/ Northern Michigan University