Background

The WASCIP (formally known as CIPAS) was originally developed by the National Community Education Association (NCEA). The NCEA version included seven comprehensive program review rubrics covering program administration, financing, family and community relations, and more. In April, 2005, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, along with over 80 directors of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLCs) across the state, developed eight additional rubrics to address specific program components, such as math and literacy programming. As a result WASCIP addresses twenty-one areas for assessment within the framework of four key areas of program operation:

• Administration
• Programming
• Supportive Environment for Youth Development
• Partnerships

The WASCIP is intended to assist programs in identifying areas for improvement and develop a plan to address them. The assessment tool also offers program staff an opportunity to recognize areas of the program that are exceptional. The DPI, in partnership with Learning Point Associates and the UW-Milwaukee Center for Urban Initiatives and Research, developed an additional component of the assessment process by providing a site with a quality advisor to assist in the process of developing an action plan and implementation based on assessment results. The use of a quality advisor has shown to be an effective element in the development and validation of a program improvement plan. The use of a quality advisor is an additional piece of the WASCIP implementation process and not included in the WASCIP tool available on the website.


WASCIP Self-Assessment Rubric


WASCIP Resource Guide


WI 21st Century Community Learning Centers WASCIP Self-Assessment Action Planning Webinar
On November 8, 2011, Carol McElvain and Fausto López from the American Institute for Research, facilitated a webinar on how to complete the WASCIP process. The webinar provides guidance on how to think intentionally about program assessment, develop an effective improvement plan, identify resources to support improvement strategies, and implement the improvement plan.