The AdvancED Protocol includes an ongoing internal review process and an External Review.  Maintaining a culture that supports continuous improvement requires self-reflection while keeping stakeholders motivated and engaged.  A performance-based model, the AdvancED Protocol employs diagnostic tools for institutions to conduct an internal review.  These reviews are focused on evaluating performance related to the AdvancED Standards and Indicators, Student Performance and Stakeholder Feedback. The process of internal reflection helps schools and school systems move forward in their ongoing improvement efforts.

The External Review is an important component of an institution’s ongoing continuous improvement efforts and is the gateway to accreditation. Through the External Review, schools and systems receive valuable feedback on their internal Review processes and results. The External Review is a milestone in the continuous improvement efforts and can be considered a steppingstone to a level of higher performance. If your school community is preparing for a scheduled External Review and assistance is required, please contact the our office.

The State Council for AdvancED Illinois hosted the fifth annual statewide fall conference in Champaign. During the two-day event, a special recognition ceremony was held to present the Quality Awards. The state-level awards are presented to External Review Team Members and Lead Evaluators who have demonstrated extraordinary service and dedication to facilitate educational quality through the AdvancED Accreditation Protocol. The awards recipients received complimentary conference registration and were presented their awards.  This year’s award winners were Dr. David Wilson recognized by the State Council for Quality Leadership; Dr. Mary Kearney, presented the Quality Performance award by AdvancED Illinois Lead Evaluators; and Ms. Farisa Hussain, was bestowed the Quality Service award by the council. Click here to read more about each award and recipients from the News section of the AdvancED Illinois web page.

• Interview administrative leaders, staff, students, parents and other stakeholders.
• Review artifacts including the school’s diagnostics, student performance data, improvement plans and stakeholder feedback data. 
• Study learning environments through classroom observations.
• Engage in professional deliberations with peers and colleagues.
• Reach consensus on Standards, Powerful Practices and Required Actions.
• Communicate the team findings into written reports using ASSIST, a state-of-the-art web enabled technology platform

External Review Teams are led by nationally trained Lead Evaluators. Team members receive online training and guidance from the Lead Evaluator prior to serving. They also become certified to use the ELEOT (Effective Learning Environment Observation Tool) via eLearning. Certification using our proprietary ELEOT tool helps team members make meaningful, focused observations when reviewing the classroom experience through students’ perspectives. Lead Evaluators are trained to assist, support and coach you throughout the review experience. In addition, team members are provided with background information and materials prior to the reviews that help them prepare.

Serving on an External Review team will help you see first-hand how your peers are addressing similar organizational and student performance challenges, while driving action that benefits the school and the students it serves. To volunteer your expertise and time, please contact Illinois Team Staffing. Our coordinator will work with your calendar to find appropriate opportunities that fit your educational expertise.