Virginia Association of Independent Schools
Initial or Ten-year Self-Study Models
Accreditation is a voluntary process undertaken by schools that are committed to continuous school improvement and
compliance with VAIS Standards. At the time of an initial or ten-year evaluation, the school undertakes a self-study process
designed to help the school and VAIS assess the degree to which the school meets its own mission, philosophy, and objectives, as
well as the VAIS Standards for Membership.
The following Self Study models have been approved for use beginning July 1, 2012. After review of the models, please complete
the following proposal form and receive approval from the VAIS Director of Accreditation before proceeding with the self-study.

Classic Standards Based Self Study
The school’s self-study is accomplished through small focus groups representing all school constituencies, which
gather to discuss and answer the guiding questions surrounding each of the major sections of VAIS Standards. The
school’s narrative report addresses each of the major sections and also includes break-out of individual curricular
and divisional areas within the instruction and program section. Schools are encouraged to weave information into
the narrative that explains how Standards are met. Survey results are also included as applicable. Strengths,
Weaknesses, and Recommendations are identified for each section.

Enhanced Standards Based Self Study
This self-study process is similar to a Classic Standards Based Self Study but with additional optional questions
added to the list of guiding questions.

Generative Standards Based Self Study
The self-study focuses on the 33 generative standards. Classic Standards Based model guiding questions can be
used as needed. Other Standards are verified by documentation unless the school chooses to also address them in
the narrative report. The on-site visit allows further opportunities to see and hear evidence of ALL Standards. The
basic narrative report format for this model is like Classic Standards Based model.

Data Based Self Study
The self-study is based on the results of the VAIS accreditation surveys (and other polling as desired) and provides
a more specific model for how the survey results can be used. Schools receive results from the accreditation
surveys as the first step in the self-study process. Results are analyzed and “improvement studies” are designed
and conducted. Follow-up survey/focus group work would allow the school to see if it had been successful in
instigating positive change. Schools would be encouraged to run “improvement studies” within each of the 5 major
Standards areas and report out on those studies in the narrative report. Evidence that relates how the school
meets Standards should accompany the narrative report. The on-site evaluation visit includes opportunities for indepth conversations and observations to evaluate the degree to which the school meets the Standards.

Strategic Based Self Study
The self-study would be part of the school’s strategic planning which would ideally be structured to stem from the
five major categories of VAIS Standards (philosophy and mission, community of the school, instruction and
program, professional personnel, governance and administration). Evidence that relates how the school meets
Standards should accompany the narrative report. The on-site evaluation visit includes opportunities for in-depth
conversations and observations to evaluate the degree to which the school meets the Standards
VAIS Self-Study Model Proposal
Please enter your information below and forward to the VAIS Director of Accreditation. Electronic submission is ideal –
[email protected].
Name of School ___________________________________________________
Head of School ___________________________________________________
Date of School’s initial VAIS accreditation _____________________________
Date of School’s last VAIS accreditation
_____________________________
Next accreditation Year/Semester
__ Fall 2016
__ Fall 2017
__ Fall 2018
__ Fall 2019
__ Spring 2017
__ Spring 2018
__ Spring 2019
__ Spring 2020
Self Study Models Please check one

Classic Standards Based Self-Study

Enhanced Standards Based Self-Study

Generative Standards Based Self-Study

Data Based Self-Study

Strategic Based Self-Study
The self-study model checked above is the preferred model for my school. The rationale for choosing this model is the following:
We propose the following dates for the visit, in order of preference. [month/day/year]
First choice___________________
Second choice_________________
Third choice___________________
Steering Committee Chair __________________________________ Email ____________________________________