Overview and Purpose
The California Self-Assessment Tool is being developed as a support for after school programs in the state as they strive to achieve and maintain quality programs. The After School Programs Office (ASPO) in the California Department of Education (CDE) reviewed current relevant research on criteria for quality after school programs, and collected samples of after school self-assessment tools developed by other states and by private vendors during the development of this tool.
The CDE envisions that this Self-Assessment Tool will be used regularly by after school programs throughout the state to support continuous program improvement. The development and fine tuning of this tool will be ongoing, and begins with this initial opportunity for public input. The objective is to develop a tool that will be accessible and will be easy to use. The California Self-Assessment Tool is designed for grantee use only and is NOT a program compliance or program monitoring tool.
Current research indicates that quality after school programs are intentionally designed with clearly defined and measurable goals and program activities/content specifically implemented to achieve these goals. Program review based on data supports programs to assess, review and improve program design and operations as part of ongoing program improvement.
This self-assessment tool is a critical part of a data-driven continuous program improvement process. It facilitates self-review and self-analysis of the degree to which the program plan is being effectively implemented. Effective self-assessment supports after school grantees in identifying program design, program content and staff development needs and related technical support needs.
How Does the Self-Assessment Tool Work?
The instrument provides an overview of its purpose, instructions for using the tool and a review page for each of the following nine core program content areas identified through review of current after school literature and research on program quality:
- Program Design
- Program Environment
- Program Leadership/Management
- Alignment/Linkages with the Regular Day
- Staff Development
- Youth Development
- Community Partnerships/Collaboration and Family Involvement
- Program Finance
- Program Accountability Evaluation and Research
The indicators in each content area include research-based “quality indicators” that will guide programs towards quality outcomes, as well as indicators that will support programs in meeting statutory, fiscal and audit program requirements.
The tool uses a four-point scaled rating system for each indicator. Programs using the self-assessment tool will use the rating system to assess the level of competence or the degree to which the quality indicator is evident in the program.
At present the rating system is seen as addressing four levels of mastery:
- Advanced
- There is strong evidence that the practice is effectively in place.
- Adequate
- There is evidence that the practice in place.
- Minimal
- There is some evidence that the indicator is being addressed.
- The program needs assistance.
- Inadequate
- There is little or no evidence that the indicator is addressed.
- The program needs significant support.
In addition, the format of the self-assessment document allows programs to prioritize needed improvements and to establish timeframes for achieving these improvements.
Training
When the document has been finalized, the CDE will support its use by ensuring that after school program grantees statewide receive training and field support for using the tool. Grantees will be trained on how to use regularly conducted self-assessments to identify their technical support and training needs. Input from grantees on identified needs will inform the development of training and technical assistance. Our goal is for after school grantees to feel confident that they will receive the support and targeted technical assistance necessary to address the needs identified.
Invitation to Review the Draft and Provide Comments
We want to hear from you! Your input will improve the tool’s usability in the field. Its continued development is being informed by input from the California After School Advisory Committee, the California After School Network, California After School Demonstration Program implementation and development by CDE and the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, by observations and experiences during the CDE Categorical Program Monitoring (CPM) review of after school programs, after school programs and after school stakeholders from the public.
This Web posting provides an opportunity for field review and comments on the current draft self-assessment tool until October 1, 2007.
Directions for Providing Input
Complete the draft California Self-Assessment Tool (DOC; 438KB; 14pp.).
We invite you to provide comments by writing to the CDE at afterschool@cde.ca.gov or to:
Attention: Norma Munroe, Consultant
After School Programs Office
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 6408
Sacramento, CA 95814-5901
We welcome comments on the design, content, and language used in the Self Assessment Tool, and any other specific comments. In addition, we would appreciate your input on the following questions:
- Please tell us your role:
- After school grantee
- After school program site coordinator
- After school program site staff
- After school Regional Lead staff
- After school service provider (e.g., Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, etc.)
- Other collaborative partner (please specify type of organization)
- Other (please specify)
- At what level would your program (or should a program) use the tool?
- At the grant level
- At the site level
- For sites focused on the same grade span (i.e., elementary, middle school, high school)
- For sites that share a program model or goals
- Other (please specify)
- Is the recommended use (twice per year) appropriate? If not, what frequency would be appropriate for use of the Self-Assessment Tool?
- What sort of training and support for use of the Self-Assessment Tool would be most helpful? (Identify your top two below):
- County training
- Regional training
- Written instructions
- Live video conference
- Downloadable web cast
- Other
- How and with whom would you recommend that training and technical assistance needs identified through use of the Self-Assessment Tool be shared to inform Technical Assistance?
