WASC Reimagined Self-Study Playbook A practical guide for coordinators and school teams.
This playbook provides practical guidance, helpful resources, and planning support for schools navigating the WASC Reimagined Self-Study process.
REFLECT EVALUATE ENGAGE IMPROVE
4STDNTS
Introduction: Purpose of This Playbook The WASC Reimagined Self-Study represents a significant evolution in the accreditation process, designed to be meaningful, collaborative, and aligned with school improvement work. As WASC Coordinators navigate this Reimagined Self-Study, they play an important role in facilitating each school’s journey through the process. This playbook serves as a companion resource of best practices for the operational aspects of the Reimagined SelfStudy, helping schools access practical guidance and stay focused on meaningful school improvement.
This playbook supports schools with: Built in resources Clear, actionable guidance Timeline considerations to help schools Practical strategies GenAI platforms that can ease the workload, including the WASC GPT Troubleshooting tips informed by Pilot school experiences
Table of Contents Introduction: Purpose of This Playbook
3
WASC GPT: Self-Study AI Coach
4
Breakdown of Resources
5
Getting Started
6
Introduction and Chapter 1: Documenting Progress
7
Chapter 2: Data and the WASC Data Tool
8
Chapter 3: Standards, Rubrics and Rationales
9
Chapter 4: Action Plan and Next Steps
10
Peer Review Visit
11
Post Visit
12
WASC GPT: Your Self-Study AI Coach The WASC Self-Study AI Coach is a closed-community support tool designed specifically for schools completing the WASC Self-Study process and trained with all WASC materials. It helps coordinators and school teams understand requirements, organize the work, analyze school-level data, draft and refine sections, review evidence, and prepare a coherent self-study report aligned to WASC expectations.
The AI Coach supports schools through each major phase of the process: Explaining WASC standards, rubrics, and report expectations Building a timeline backward from the visit date Supporting Chapter 2 data analysis using school-level, aggregated data Drafting and revising report language in a WASC-appropriate voice Reviewing sections for completeness, coherence, page limits, evidence links, and alignment across chapters Helping schools document collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Responsible use and Schools remain responsible for verifying AI-assisted analy accurately reflects their own context, e
Starter prompt
Timeline prompt
I’m new to the WASC selfstudy - where do I start?
Help me plan a self-study timeline.
Review prompt
Data prompt
Can you review this section against the rubric?
I’ve attached a data file; brainstorm Chapter 2 trends.
WASC GPT
d WASC’s AI Policy: ysis, protecting confidentiality, and ensuring the final report evidence, and key improvement goals.
Breakdown of Resources All the tools, templates, and guidance you need - organized and easy to find.
Go to your WASC School Portal On the WASC Home Page: WASC Data Tool for CA Public Schools Access public school data reports and trends
Under Reviews / Visits: Date of Visit and Due Date for Report WASC Advisor Visiting Team Roster WASC Reimagined Continuous Improvement Protocol WASC Reimagined Standards WASC Reimagined Self-Study Report Template WASC Reimagined Self-Study Report Samples
For every section, refer to: WASC School Portal Resources WASC Asynchronous Training Links to Resources WASC GPT prompts Tips from Pilot Schools
Pilot School Advice “Look over the new process and let go of the old one. Start fresh, use your own school data, and embrace the process. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it is more authentic.” — Troy High School
Getting Started Take these first steps to launch a successful WASC Reimagined Self-Study:
Go to your WASC School Portal Resources WASC Reimagined Protocols WASC Reimagined Template WASC Reimagined Samples
Checklist for WASC Coordinators Everything you need; all in one place!
Creating a Timeline Create a clear WASC timeline to help keep you organized.
View Checklist
View Resource
Training Video #1
Training Video #2
Continuous Improvement
Culture of Collaboration
Watch Training
Watch Training
Tips from Pilot Schools Leverage existing systems Stay organized Engage the whole school community WASC GPT
WASC GPT PROMPT “I’m new to the WASC self-study. Where do I start?”
Outcomes Watch the training videos Finalize a timeline Decide what existing structures you will use to organize your staff Plan how to engage the entire school community
Introduction and Chapter 1: Documenting Progress Explore resources to summarize your school’s uniqueness, document the self-study process, and reflect on the progress and impact of your previous goals.
WASC School Portal Resources WASC Reimagined Template WASC Reimagined Samples
Training Video #3: Introduction and Chapter 1 Watch Training
WASC GPT WASC GPT PROMPT “What do you need from me to start drafting Chapter 1?”
Documenting Collaboration Tips and protocols for collecting evidence together.
View Guide
Sample Surveys Use ready-to-go surveys to gather valuable feedback.
View Surveys
Pilot School Spotlight: Motivated Youth Academy Use structures already in place, collect and organize evidence as you go, and plan time for WASC work within regularly scheduled meetings.
Chapter 2: Data and the WASC Data Tool Chapter 2 synthesizes how the school collects and analyzes student achievement and well-being data to drive decision-making and identify key improvement needs. The WASC Data Tool The WASC Data Tool brings statewide data together in one easy-to-use report, helping California public K–12 schools quickly identify trends, strengths, and areas for growth.
View WASC Data Tool
Training Video #4: Chapter 2 and Data Analysis Watch Training
Pilot School Spotlight
Use PLC or strand teams t This helps make the proces
WASC GPT WASC GPT PROMPTS Download the Data Tool Excel file and help me draft Chapter 2. I have a 60-minute staff meeting - how can I help my staff understand this data and prepare for Chapter 3? I’ve attached a data file; brainstorm Chapter 2 trends.
Using AI for Data Explore practical guidance for using artificial intelligence to organize, analyze, and interpret school data responsibly.
View Resource
t: Santiago High School
to facilitate authentic conversations around the data. ss meaningful and collaborative.
Chapter 3: Standards, Rubrics and Rationales Chapter 3 evaluates the school’s effectiveness across WASC Standards in Categories A, B, and C, using evidence and rubric ratings to identify strengths and growth areas.
Training Video #5: Chapter 3 WASC Standards Watch Training
Training Video #6: Chapter 3 WASC Rubrics Watch Training
Review Rubrics
Discuss Eviden
nce
WASC GPT WASC GPT PROMPTS For this standard, what evidence should we look at and link? We are a ______ school. Can you tell me how my writing is for these sections? Based on our answers and rubric ratings, help me draft a rationale.
Tips from Pilot Schools Leland High School: The new format encourages authentic analysis. Valley High School: Give staff time to view the data and work with the rubrics. Portola High School: Rubrics were one of the best changes in the process.
Answer Questions
Calibrate Ratings
Draft Rationales
Chapter 4: Action Plan and Next Steps Chapter 4 translates self-study findings into prioritized improvement goals and actionable strategies to strengthen programs and support student success. Training Video # 7: Chapter 4 Action Plan Watch Training
Tips from Pilot Schools Ygnacio Valley: Treat the self-study as continuous improvement rather than a standalone accreditation task. Start early, understand your starting point, and align WASC goals with broader plans and priorities.
Remember KEEP YOUR GOALS
Focused
Stud
WASC GPT WASC GPT PROMPTS
dent-Centered
Where is there alignment between our LCAP, SPSA, and WASC improvement goals? Does each goal clearly connect to a student learning need or a Chapter 3 finding? Are the goals specific, measurable, realistic, and focused on student learning or well-being?
Next Steps Finalize your Action Plan Assign responsibilitie Set timelines
Measurable
Peer Review Visit The peer review visit is a collaborative opportunity to engage with the visiting committee in meaningful dialogue, share evidence of learning and growth, and receive feedback that moves the school forward. Sample Schedule Download a sample visit schedule to help plan a balanced and purposeful visit. View Sample Schedule
Training Video #8: Peer Review Visit Watch Training
Key Goals f
• Meaningful dialogue • Classroom observatio
WASC GPT
WASC GPT PROMPTS Help us draft a visit schedule that supports meaningful dialogue, classroom observations, evidence review, and feedback on our Action Plan. Create a one-page preparation guide for stakeholder groups without scripting their answers. Create a stratified sampling of classes for the visit, including EL, all subject areas, electives, and SPED.
What will the Visiting Committee Experience? Conversations with diverse stakeholders about teaching, learning, and growth Observations that reflect the richness of the school community Evidence that demonstrates progress and impact Feedback that affirms strengths and guides next steps
for the Visit
ons • Evidence review • Actionable feedback
Post Visit After the visit, take time to celebrate, reflect, and prepare for the next phase of continuous improvement.
Celebrate the team’s work Recognize the effort, collaboration, and commitment that made the visit possible.
Turn feedback into next steps for ongoing improvement Use what you’ve learned from this process to strengthen systems, and student needs. Update your Action Plan if there were additional recommentations.
Keep the mo
Share reflections: Ce acknowledge growth. Capture lessons learn to inform future plannin Sustain the action pla through consistent focu
You’ve a
Now celebrate, reflect, and prepare
Complete the Action Card in your WASC Portal and provide feedback about the process Help strengthen the process by sharing your experience.
Reach out to your WASC Advisor about WASC Commission Timelines The WASC Commission meets in January, April, and June. Please reach out to your WASC advisor on when you will receive your official letter.
omentum going
elebrate successes and
ned: Document insights ng. an: Keep progress alive us and follow-through.
arrived.
e for what’s next. Congratulations!