California schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) that are not meeting academic achievement goals are frequently required or recommended to administer state program self-assessment tools. These tools include the Academic Program Survey (APS) at the school level and the following district-level tools: the District Assistance Survey (DAS), the English Learner Subgroup Self Assessment (ELSSA), and the Inventory of Services and Supports (ISS) for Students with Disabilities.
In September 2009 the California Department of Education, in conjunction with the California County Superintendents Association (CCSESA), the California Comprehensive Center (CA CC), and various district organizations and associations, completed a review and revision of four school and district program self-assessment tools. Each of the four tools underwent key changes for greater internal consistency, coherence, and alignment with one another. A Webcast and series of technical assistance Webinars for each tool have been archived at the CA CC Web page. (Outside Source)
The SBE-approved Essential Program Components (EPCs) is the underlying context for each of the state assessment tools.
The tools identified below are required for use in LEAs in Program Improvement Year 1 and are strongly encouraged for use in any underperforming school or LEA. The tools should be used by any underperforming school or LEA and their support providers, in conjunction with student achievement data to inform collaborative school and district planning.
Introduction to State Tools (DOC)
Academic Program Survey (APS)
The Academic Program Survey is designed to help a school analyze the extent to which it is providing a coherent instructional program to support improved student achievement. Organized into three grade-span specific surveys, each APS measures the presence of the nine EPCs associated with improved student learning. The APS is to be used in conjunction with the DAS, ELSSA, and ISS for school and district analyses.
Introduction to the APS Tool (DOC)
Academic Program Surveys
- Elementary School Tool (DOC)
- Middle School Tool (DOC)
- High School Tool (DOC)
APS Citations
- APS Elementary School Citations (DOC)
- APS Middle School Citations (DOC)
- APS High School Citations (DOC)
District Assistance Survey (DAS)
The District Assistance Survey is designed to guide LEAs and their technical assistance providers in assessing the nature and alignment of district operations and the district’s capacity to support a rigorous and multi-tiered instructional system at all schools and for all students. The DAS is organized around seven broad areas of district work codified in California Education Code (EC) Section 52059(e)(1):
- Standards-based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Professional Development
- Human Resources
- Data Systems/Data Analysis/Ongoing Monitoring
- Parent and Community Involvement
- Fiscal Operations
- Governance and Leadership
- Introduction to the DAS (DOC)
- District Assistance Survey (DOC)
English Learner Subgroup Self Assessment (ELSSA)
The English Learner Subgroup Self Assessment serves as a district level tool for LEAs to analyze outcomes and program services for English learners (ELs) while preparing LEA plans and addenda to meet requirements under Title I and Title III. This refers specifically to LEAs developing Title III Year 4 Action Plan Needs Assessments, Title III Year 2 Improvement Plan Addenda, and Title I Program Improvement plans related to the EL student group. All LEAs may benefit from using the ELSSA in local planning. The ELSSA helps LEAs focus on the attainment of linguistic and academic standards EL students as well as to identify issues regarding EL instructional programs.
- English Learner Subgroup Self Assessment and Toolkit (Scroll down to State Tools section)
Inventory of Services and Supports (ISS) for Students with Disabilities
The Inventory of Services and Supports for Students with Disabilities (SWDs) is designed to help districts examine their policies, procedures, and practices to gain a deeper understanding of SWDs learning needs. The tool is designed to provide a framework for the District Leadership Team to use that will enhance and deepen their understandings about this student group.
Over the course of the next year, CDE will be working with LEAs, county offices, and the CA CC to refine these tools and processes.
