All publications are available in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe reader loaded on your computer to access these files, you can visit the Adobe web site to download it. MSA surveys and some protocols are also available to member schools as downloadable Word documents for ease in completing the self study. A log in is required to download Word documents.

Brochures - Brief Descriptions of the Commission's protocols for self-study and accreditation:

What is Accreditation for Growth? - a brief description of this strategic planning protocol

What is Excellence by Design? - a brief description of this strategic planning protocol

What is Reflections on Standards of Quality? - a brief description of this traditional protocol

What is Reflections on Standards of Quality (Career and Technology Version)? - a brief description of this traditional protocol for career and technology institutions (Coming Soon)

Standards - there are several sets of standards for members to address depending on the type of insitution engaged in self-study. Four sets are listed here:

Standards for Schools - used by secondary and middle schools who begin self-study in the 2007-2008 school year

Standards for Schools - used prior to self-studies in 2007-2008 and decisions in October 2008

Standards for Career/Technology Institutions - used by schools with non-degree granting post-secondary programs seeking accreditation for Title IV purposes

Standards for Service Agencies - used by service agencies like BOCES or Intermediate Units

Standards for Supplementary Education Organizations - used by supplementary education organizations for special purpose accreditation

Credential Awards - additional awards earned by a member institution in a specific area through an application/self-study and review process. A relatively new program for CSS, the list of Credentials will expand in the coming years.

International Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Contact Kelly Christian (kchristian<at>css-msa.org) for an application
Music Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Application - Coming Soon...
Service Learning Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Application - Coming Soon...
World Languages Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Contact Jackie Gilbert (jgilbert<at>css-msa.org) for an application

Self-Study Protocols - the process used by a member school to conduct its accreditation self study is determined by the protocol chosen. For the latest version of the Accreditation protocols please contact the Middle States offices at 267-284-5000 or info@css-msa.org.

Mid-Term Review

Mid-Point Review Template - used by schools which are preparing for their Mid-Term Review. For the latest version of the Mid-Term Review Template please contact the Middle States offices at 267-284-5000 or info@css-msa.org..

Surveys - with an appropriate log in, these surveys are downloadable

Parent Survey (English and Spanish Versions)
Student Survey (English and Spanish Versions)
Staff and Stakeholder Survey of Accreditation Standards
Validating the Vision Survey of Assessment Criteria and Supplementary Standards

The Gold Standard - quarterly issues of the CSS newsletter
• Summer 2009
• Spring 2008
• Winter 2008
• Spring 2007
• Winter 2007