What is School Self-Assessment? (3)




AED conducted a four year evaluation (1998-2002) of SSA, based on a qualitative study of its implementation in Michigan schools. This study found that schools that fully implemented SSA have made improvements in teaching and learning, including increased student achievement on standardized tests. The case study of Hope Elementary/Middle School illustrates the experiences of a school deeply engaged in SSA. Principals and teachers from the other SSA schools also attest to its profound impact on their own thinking, as well as the impressive progress made by their schools in improving teaching and learning.
		I’ve returned from other professional development feeling like I’m all dressed up with no place to go. In SSA, the process is ongoing. You will find that what you have learned about self-assessment will come alive in your school as you get more into the project. -Staff coordinator
	I felt it [SSA] would be good for teachers, for students, and me. I knew there were areas we needed to shore up to be a school of excellence. I thought it would be helpful to have someone else look at us objectively so that we could look at ourselves in a different light. - Principal SSA gave us an opportunity to look at ourselves from the outside in. It helped us tackle the problems we knew always existed, but couldn’t address because of politics or fear. -Teacher


	There is a sea change in the way we talk about and do things. It is easier to bring staff together and build consensus about the direction a project should take. SSA has helped us build a collaborative base from which we can target our efforts. -Teacher