School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF)

The School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF), developed by the National Assessment Centre PARAKH (https://ncert.nic.in/parakh/pdf/SQAAF.pdf), represents a holistic and transformative approach to improving the quality of education in schools. It provides a comprehensive and structured approach that spans five critical domains: Administration, Curriculum, Assessment, Infrastructure, and Inclusiveness. SQAAF enables schools to evaluate their strengths and pinpoint areas requiring improvement through well-defined benchmarks and performance levels. It integrates evidence-based assessment practices and promotes data-driven decision-making, fostering dynamic and learner-centric environments. By focusing on holistic student development—spanning academic achievement, life skills, character building, and emotional well-being—SQAAF empowers schools to evolve from traditional, static systems to ones that actively support continuous growth. The framework also features a three-tiered performance evaluation system (Abhilasha-Needs Improvement, Pragati-Performing Satisfactorily, and Jagriti-Exemplary Performance), motivating schools to strive for higher standards of excellence and ensuring transparent, fair evaluations.