Navigating Self Assessment on the SQAAF Portal for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
As part of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of education, schools affiliated with CBSE are required to undertake a self-assessment through the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF) portal. This assessment is pivotal for schools seeking new affiliations, switching over, upgrading, or extending their current affiliations. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this process for the year 2024.
Key Dates and Requirements
According to Circular No. 14/2023 dated 24.03.2023, and the notification dated 02.01.2024, the self-assessment period on the SQAAF portal for the year 2024 spans from April 1 to December 31, 2024. Schools must complete this assessment within the stipulated timeframe to ensure compliance with CBSE requirements.
Before You Begin: Important Considerations
- Self-Improvement Plan: After submitting the self-assessment, schools are required to fill out a self-improvement plan, which is submitted domain-wise.
- Final Submission: Once the self-assessment and self-improvement plans are submitted, no edits can be made. Schools should review all information carefully before final submission.
- Report Download: Schools can download their assessment report after the final submission.
- Score Card: Only the overall scorecard for the year 2023 will be available on the portal.
Mandatory Self-Assessment
As mandated by CBSE, schools must complete the SQAAF self-assessment prior to the acceptance of applications for any new affiliations or changes for the academic session 2024-25 and onwards. The user guide and FAQs provided by CBSE offer detailed instructions and can be accessed via the following links:
For any queries, schools can reach out via email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and How to Undertake Assessment? Schools can conduct their self-assessment on the SQAAF portal annually before December 31. Detailed user instructions are available on the SARAS portal.
Validity of Self-Assessment The self-assessment is valid for one year. If the validity expires at the time of application for extension of affiliation, schools must complete the assessment again.
Action Required if 2023 Score Card is Available Schools must undertake the self-assessment yearly, not per session. The SQAAF for 2024 is open from April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Steps for 2024 Self-Assessment Schools need to:
- Complete the self-assessment.
- Based on the score, prepare and submit a self-improvement plan within the same session.
Prioritizing Improvement Areas Schools should categorize improvement areas as low, medium, or high priority based on their specific needs and recommendations.
Handling Non-Applicable Standards If certain standards are not applicable due to the school’s specific nature or location, the assessment and improvement plans should be tailored accordingly.
Supporting Documents While schools are not required to upload supporting documents during self-assessment, they should maintain these records for potential future reviews.
Physical Quality Review A random sample of 5% of schools applying for extension of affiliation will undergo a physical quality review by CBSE-appointed experts. Selected schools will need to upload supporting documents when directed.
Confidentiality and Ranking The self-assessment scores are confidential and will not be made public. There will be no ranking of schools based on these assessments.
Timeliness and Goal Setting The self-improvement plan should reflect the school’s goals based on their assessment and be part of a continuous improvement process.
Additional Resources
The SQAAF handbook is available in both Hindi and English:
Conclusion
The self-assessment on the SQAAF portal is a critical process for all CBSE-affiliated schools. By following the guidelines and timelines set by CBSE, schools can ensure they meet the necessary requirements for affiliation and continue to improve their educational standards. For detailed instructions and support, refer to the user guides and FAQs provided by CBSE.