Renewal Inspection Report Template
Revised September 2015
Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 338-3227
Fax: (781) 338-3220
Introduction: The Massachusetts Charter School Renewal Inspection Report Template
This document contains the Massachusetts Charter School Renewal Inspection Report Template
(Template), which is the companion document to the Massachusetts Charter School Renewal
Inspection Protocol (Protocol). The Protocol explains the process by which the renewal inspection
team gathers, analyzes, and reports information regarding the performance and progress of
Massachusetts charter schools applying for charter renewal. The Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (Department) considers the information provided in the renewal inspection
report prepared in accordance with the Protocol and Template, along with other sources of evidence
as it prepares renewal materials for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board).
The Template provided in the following pages contains:
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a sample report cover;
a standard introduction to be included in every renewal inspection report;
a sample table of contents, formatted section headings, and sections that can be modified for
each renewal inspection report;
headings and text that must be included in the report. These headings and text are not
bracketed or italicized; and
information about state accessibility requirements for the document.
The Template uses brackets to indicate where information or a finding statement is to be inserted, as
in the following example: [insert information here]. Information should be inserted as appropriate
and the brackets should be deleted when preparing the renewal inspection report.
The Template also includes guidance for writing the renewal inspection report, presented in italicized
text. The guidance text should be deleted when using the Template to prepare a renewal inspection
report.
Finally, in using the Template, the pages of the Template leading up to the cover of the report itself
should be deleted.
Standards of Quality
The renewal inspection report should meet the following standards of quality, as discussed in the
Protocol:
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Accuracy: The report findings must be supported by sufficient, appropriate evidence.

Objectivity: In addition to providing evidence and context information for each finding,
an objective report is written in a neutral and professional tone, without adjectives or
adverbs that characterize the evidence in a way that implies either criticism or praise, and
without unsupported conclusions. The report does not serve as a vehicle for evaluation of
individuals in a school and is one of many sources of evidence used in a renewal
recommendation.
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Completeness: The evidence presented in the report must be sufficiently detailed to
ensure that the findings are persuasive.
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Persuasiveness: High quality evidence in support of each finding must be presented
clearly and logically.
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Clarity: The report must be written in language that is clear and understandable, without
jargon or flowery language.
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Conciseness: The report is not intended to be a compilation of every fact gathered by the
renewal inspection team. Extraneous detail can detract from the report and obscure
important issues. The report should be sufficiently detailed to be accurate and persuasive,
yet it should also be as concise as possible.
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Formatting: Please follow the formatting prompts in each section. All text should be left
justified for the final draft of the report.
Accessibility Requirements
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is committed to providing information to the public that is
accessible to all, including those utilizing assistive technology to access information. This means that
you must prepare an accessible Microsoft Word version of the report for submission to the
Department. The Microsoft Word version must be consistent with the Department’s Website
Accessibility Policy and Web Content Standards found on Department’s website. The document will
meet the minimum requirements by keeping the file size less than 5MB, adding alternative text (alttext) for all images, adding an electronic title and author under File > Properties, and by removing
track changes and comments.
Sample: Renewal Inspection Report Cover Page
Renewal Inspection Report
Charter School Name
City/Town, MA
[Dates of renewal inspection]
[Logo (optional)]
[Renewal inspection organization]
[City, State]
[Web address (optional)]
Sample: Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….………#
The Renewal Inspection Team……………………………………………………………#
School Setting….................................................................................................................#
Renewal Inspection Methodology………………………………………………………..#
Findings………………………………………………………………………………......#
Faithfulness to Charter
Charter School Performance Criteria: Faithfulness to Charter
Mission and Key Design Elements
Academic Program Success
Charter School Performance Criteria: Academic Program Success
Program Delivery
Culture and Family Engagement
Organizational Viability
Charter School Performance Criteria: Organizational Viability
Capacity
Governance
Appendices ………………………………………………………………………………#
Appendix A
Renewal Inspection Site Visit Schedule
Introduction
The introduction to each renewal inspection report should contain the
following headings and text:
The Renewal Inspection Process and Site Visit Report
The charter renewal application process begins with the charter school’s submission to the
Department of an Application for Renewal of a Public School Charter (Application for Renewal).
After the Department has reviewed the Application for Renewal and determined that it is clear and
complete, the school is notified of the Application for Renewal’s acceptance. A renewal inspection
team conducts a renewal inspection site visit and prepares a renewal inspection report summarizing
the team’s findings regarding the school’s performance relative to a subset of the Charter School
Performance Criteria.
After the renewal inspection site visit, the team prepares a draft of the renewal inspection report and
submits it to the Department for review and clarification, if necessary. After a Department review,
the draft is provided to the school for review. The school is given approximately one week in which
to make factual corrections to the report, if appropriate. After incorporating any factual corrections,
the team submits the final report to the Department and the school, at which point the team’s
involvement in the charter renewal process ends. The school may provide the Department with a
formal response to the renewal inspection report; this response becomes part of the school’s
permanent record. Other interested parties, including the superintendent in the district in which a
charter school is located or the region from which the school draws students, also have the
opportunity to submit written comments to the Department regarding the renewal of a school’s
charter.
Overview of this Report
This renewal inspection report contains the following information:
 Professional biographies of the renewal inspection team members (if not Department staff);
 A report setting that provides contextual information regarding the school;
 The methodology employed by the renewal inspection team in conducting the renewal
inspection;
 The renewal inspection team’s findings and supporting evidence concerning the school’s
performance relative to the Criteria as discussed in the Protocol;
 Appendix A of this report contains the detailed schedule of the renewal inspection site visit.
Renewal Inspection Team
Identify and provide a one-paragraph professional biography for each renewal inspection team
member, if not Department staff. Where appropriate, the biography should identify the team
member’s organizational affiliation and role on the inspection team.
Setting
This section introduces the school and provides contextual information for the report findings. The
setting should be brief: preferably no longer than one page. In the setting section, please provide
following information through bulleted lists, clearly labeled tables, or brief narratives.
1
 The school’s enrollment history during the current charter period: e.g., if the school has
expanded during the charter term, the number of students enrolled each year, and grade(s)
added.
 Recent changes at the school: e.g, expansion or the creation of a network of charter schools
or campuses all overseen by one board of trustees, or amendments to the school’s charter.
 Relevant changes in the school’s history, operation, and/or organizational structure.
 Other relevant contextual information.
Renewal Inspection Methodology
This section of the report provides information on the methodology used in the conduct of the
renewal inspection.
The listings in this section of the individuals and focus groups interviewed and the major documents
reviewed by the renewal inspection team may be provided as bulleted lists or in clearly labeled
tables.
 Specify the number of days spent on site and the dates of the site visit.
 Identify by titles, not names, all school leaders, specialists, and administrators interviewed.
 List focus group interviews conducted, including those with the board of trustees,
administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Please indicate the numbers of attendees in
each group.
 Indicate the number of classroom observations conducted, including the grades, subject areas,
and number of teachers observed. Briefly explain the classroom observation methodology
including a brief description of the instrument used, the minimum time span for observations,
the timing of observations during classes, and the number of full class period observations (if
applicable).
 Identify significant data and documents reviewed by the renewal inspection team.
 Include a statement noting that the Appendix of this report contains a detailed schedule for
the renewal inspection site visit.
 Conclude the section with the following statement: This renewal inspection has been
conducted pursuant to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education, Charter School Renewal Inspection Protocol.
Findings
This section presents the renewal inspection team’s findings regarding the school’s performance
relative to the three areas of charter school accountability: faithfulness to charter, academic success,
and organizational viability.
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The report must encompass, but need not be limited to, each of the topics specified in the
“Renewal Inspection Areas of Inquiry” section of the Massachusetts Charter School Renewal
Inspection Protocol.
2
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The renewal inspection team should develop at least one finding for each criterion. In cases
where a criterion has been parsed into key indicators, the team should develop one finding
per key indicator.
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Each finding statement is a bolded statement that describes a condition or conditions
identified by the renewal inspection team as relevant to one of the three areas of charter
school accountability and that speaks directly to the Criteria. The finding must be supported
by accompanying evidence.

Renewal inspection visits that are scheduled to be one day in length will only cover the
Primary Areas of Inquiry below. Renewal inspection visits that are two or three days in
length will address the Primary Areas of Inquiry for all areas and the Secondary Areas of
Inquiry in the areas of curriculum and instruction.
Keep in mind the following guidance regarding findings and high-quality evidence contained in the
Protocol:
Findings
Findings are summary statements within each section of the renewal inspection report
that describe conditions identified by the renewal inspection team as relevant to the
Criteria. Findings synthesize the renewal inspection team’s analyses of evidence
collected from multiple sources prior to and during the renewal inspection visit.
High-quality evidence
Each finding must be supported by sufficient evidence collected during the renewal
inspection process and, when appropriate, corroborated from multiple sources,
including but not limited to observations, documents, data, and information derived
from interviews and focus groups. In conducting the renewal inspection site visit and
writing the renewal inspection report, the renewal inspection team must ensure that the
evidence collected and analyzed by the team is of high quality. High-quality evidence is
both sufficient in quantity to support the finding and appropriate in nature. The team
must use its professional judgment to determine the sufficiency of the evidence
collected. In assessing the appropriateness of the evidence, the team must ensure that
the evidence is relevant, valid, and reliable:

Relevant evidence is logically related and important to the matter or issue
under consideration.
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Valid evidence is based on accurate information and sound reasoning.
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Reliable evidence is verifiable and consistent.
3
Report Content
The renewal inspection team and report writer should consult the Renewal Inspection Protocol:
Renewal Inspection Areas of Inquiry (p.11) for detailed guidance on the topics of the findings. If a
topic has been fully addressed in a previous finding, the report need not repeat the information. The
renewal inspection team should develop at least one finding per criterion or key indicator.
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evidence.
Faithfulness to Charter
Criterion 1: Mission and Key Design Elements
The school is faithful to its mission, implements the key design elements outlined in its charter, and substantially
meets its accountability plan goals.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Academic Program Success
Criterion 6: Program Delivery
The school delivers an academic program that provides improved academic outcomes and educational success for all
students.
Key Indicator: Curriculum
The school’s documented curriculum is aligned to state curriculum frameworks and expectations 1; is aligned
vertically between grades and horizontally across classrooms at the same grade level; is fully implemented in
classrooms; and supports opportunities for all students to master these skills and concepts. The curriculum is
regularly reviewed and revised.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
1
The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics and English Language Arts and Literacy issued in 2011
incorporate the Common Core State Standards. Additionally, schools are expected to integrate the World-class Design and
Assessment English Language Development (WIDA ELD) standards into ELD curriculum materials and content area curricula of
classes in which English language learners participate.
4
Key Indicator: Instruction
The school staff has a common understanding of high-quality instruction. Instructional practices are aligned to
this common understanding and are based on high expectations for all students. Instruction fosters student
engagement. Classroom environments are conducive to learning.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Key Indicator: Assessment and Program Evaluation
The school uses a balanced system of formative and benchmark assessments. The school uses qualitative and
quantitative data to improve student outcomes as well as to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the program
in serving all students and modifies the program accordingly.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Key Indicator: Supports for Diverse Learners
The school provides supports to meet the academic needs for all students, including but not limited to students
with disabilities and English language learners.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Criterion 7: Culture and Family Engagement
The school supports students’ social and emotional health in a safe and respectful learning environment that
engages families.
Key Indicator: Social, Emotional, and Health Needs
The school creates a safe school environment and addresses the physical, social, emotional, and health needs of
its students.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Key Indicator: Family Engagement
The school develops strong working relationships with families/guardians in order to support students’
academic progress and social and emotional well-being.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
5
Organizational Viability
Criterion 8: Capacity
The school sustains a well-functioning organizational structure, and clearly delineates roles for staff,
administration, and board members.
Key Indicator: School Leadership The school has an effective school leadership team that implements a clearly
defined mission and set of goals. The school defines and delineates clear roles and responsibilities among leaders,
staff, management and board members. The school has clear and well-understood systems for decision-making and
communication processes among all members of the school community.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Key Indicator: Professional Climate
The school staff regularly, frequently collaborate and engage in professional development to improve
implementation of the curriculum and instructional practice. A system is in place for monitoring instructional
practice for consistency, which includes a formal process of teacher evaluation.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Key Indicator: Contractual Relationships (if applicable)
The board of trustees and school leadership establish effective working relationships with their management company.
Changes in the school’s relationship with its management company comply with required charter amendment
procedures.
An effective working relationship exists between the board of trustees and school leadership of a Horace Mann charter
school and the host district, which operates under one or more Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that clearly
articulate the relationship with the host district regarding services, including but not limited to, facilities, funding, and
waivers of collective bargaining agreement provisions.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
Criterion 9: Governance
Members of the board of trustees act as public agents authorized by the state and provide competent and
appropriate governance to ensure the success and sustainability of the school.
Finding: Finding statements should be formatted and presented in bolded font, as shown here.
6
Discuss, under each finding, the specific evidence supporting the team’s finding.
[In the body paragraphs, please provide relevant information regarding the school’s board of trustees,
such as number of current members, board composition, turnover during the current charter period,
committee structure, and minimum/ maximum board membership permitted by the board’s bylaws.]
{insert evidence paragraphs here}
7
Appendix A
Renewal Inspection Schedule
{Insert the appropriate schedule; delete remaining templates}
{INSERT DATE}
7:30 – 8:00
Team Member 1
Team Member 2
Team Meeting and Meetings with head(s) of school
8:00 – 9:00
Board of trustees focus group
9:00 – 10:00
Classroom Observations
10:00 – 11:00
Classroom Observations
11:00 – 12:00
Teacher focus group: General Education, Special education, and ELL instructional staff
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch; Document Review
1:00 – 2:00
ELL and Special Education Admin Focus Group
2:00 – 3:00
Administrator Focus Group
3:00 – 4:30
Team Moderation
4:30 – 4:45
Exit discussion with head(s) of school
Team Departs
2-Day Inspection
INSERT DATE
Team Member 1
7:30
8:00
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
1:00
Team Member 2
Team Meeting
Meeting with head(s) of school
Family and Guardian Focus Group
Team Member 3
Classroom Observations
Classroom Observations
Document Review
Classroom Observations
Network Staff Focus Group (if needed)
Classroom Observations
Lunch: Team Moderation
ELL and Special Education
Classroom Observations
8
ELL and Special Education
1:30
2:00
2:30
3:00
3:30
4:00
4:30
5:00
Admin Focus Group
Admin Focus Group
Student Support and Family Services Focus Group
Classroom Observations
Classroom Observations
Teacher Focus Group: General Education
Team Moderation
Team Departs
INSERT DATE
Team Member 1
7:30
8:00
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
2:30
3:00
3:30
4:00
4:30
5:00
Team Member 2
Meeting with head(s) of school
Team Member 3
Board of Trustees Focus Group
Classroom Observations
Classroom Observations
Administrator Focus Group
Teacher Focus Group: Special
Education and ELL
Classroom Observations
Teacher Focus Group: Special
Education and ELL
Student Focus Group
Classroom Observations
Lunch
Classroom Observations
Team Moderation
Exit discussion with head(s) of school
3-Day Inspection
INSERT DATE
Team Member 1
7:30
8:00
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
1:00
1:30
Team Member 2
Team Member 3
Team Member 4
Team meeting
Meeting with head(s) of school
Classroom
Classroom
Network Staff Focus Group (if needed)
Observations
Observations
Classroom
Classroom
Teacher Focus Group: General Education
Observations
Observations
Classroom Observations
Document Review
Lunch; Team Moderation
Classroom
Observations
ELL and Special Education Admin Focus
Group
9
Classroom
Observations
2:00
2:30
3:00
3:30
4:00
4:30
5:00
Classroom Observations
Team Moderation
Document Review
Follow Up
Team Departs
INSERT DATE
Team Member 1
7:30
8:00
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
2:30
3:00
3:30
4:00
4:30
5:00
Team Member 2
Team Member 3
Team Member 4
Team meeting
Meeting with head(s) of school
Board of Trustees
Classroom
Classroom
Board of Trustees
Focus Group
Observations
Observations
Focus Group
Teacher Focus Group: Special Education and
Classroom
Classroom
ELL
Observations
Observations
Classroom
Classroom
Student Focus Group
Observations
Observations
Classroom Observations
Lunch; Team Moderation
Student Support and Family Services Focus
Group
Classroom
Classroom
Observations
Observations
Classroom
Observations
Classroom
Observations
Family and Guardian Focus Group
Team Moderation
Team Departs
INSERT DATE
Team Member 1
7:30
8:00
8:30
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
Team Member 2
Team Member 3
Team meeting
Meeting with head(s) of school
Team Member 4
Classroom Observations
Follow Up Interviews
Document Review
Team Moderation
Lunch; Team Moderation
Administrator Focus Group
Classroom
Observation
Team Moderation
10
Classroom
Observation
2:30
3:00
3:30
4:00
4:30
5:00
Exit discussion with head(s) of school
11