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 - there are four brochures/order forms available:

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

What is AFG? - a brief description of this strategic planning protocol

What is Pathways? - a brief description of this strategic planning and data management protocol

Parent Brochure order form - submit this form to the MSA Office to order multiple copies of the brochure for parents describing the benefits of having their child at an accredited school

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
• Application
Music Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Application - Coming Soon...
Service Learning Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Application - Coming Soon...
World Languages Credential
• Criterion and Indicators
• Application

Protocols - the process used by a member school to conduct its accreditation self study is determined by the protocol chosen (NOTE: Choosing these links will require a log in - for brief descriptions without a log in, see the brochures above)

Accreditation for Growth (AFG) - a strategic planning protocol (Edition 4B/ August 2007)

1. Gateway to examples and other references cited in the AFG Planning Guide
2. Self-Study Templates for use with AFG4B
3. Self Assessment pieces for inclusion in self-study for Edition 4 (July 2005) (for those engaged in self-study prior to 2007-08)
   • Standards for Schools (for those engaged in self-study prior to 2007-08)
   • Standards for Service Agencies
   • Summary of Appraisal Rubric (for Second and Subsequent Use of AFG or VTV)
   • Additional Appraisal Questions (for Second and Subsequent Use of AFG or VTV)

Validating the Vision (VTV) - the MSA guide to using this NCEA publication for accreditation purposes is now found in Section 14 of the AFG Planning Guide (4th Edition)


Supplementary standard pieces needed for Validating the Vision (for those engaged in self-study prior to 2007-08)
Supplementary pieces needed for Validating the Vision (for those hosting a visit beginning Fall 2008)
           Supplementary Standard - Information Resources and Technology
           Supplementary Standard - Health and Safety
           Summary Self-Assessment of Middle States Standards for Accreditation
           Other self-study templates for VTV

Reflections on Standards of Quality - a traditional protocol (2nd Edition / April 2007)

Reflections on Standards of Quality (NYSAIS Version) - for use by schools seeking joint accreditation with NYSAIS

Reflections on Standards of Quality (Career and Technical Version) - for use by schools with career and technical post-secondary programs seeking Title IV recognition

Pathways to School Improvement - a strategic planning and data management protocol

Manuals: - these manuals are provided to facilitate the processes indicated

Mid-Point Review Manual - used for maintenance of the AFG or VTV accreditation protocol

Five-Year Visit Guide for Schools - used by schools who have used the Continuous School Improvement or Reflections protocols and are beginning to prepare for the Five-Year Renewal.

Five-Year Report Templates:
• CSI Template - for those schools that elect to remain with CSI for the second Phase
• CSI to Reflections Template - for those schools that choose to switch from CSI to Reflections for the five-year renewal of accreditation
• Reflections Template - for those schools that used Reflections initially and wish to remain with Reflections for the five-year renewal of accreditation

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
• Winter 2008
• Spring 2007
• Winter 2007