Mission Assessment Process (MAP):

Rationale and Overview

September 2007

We are now 62 schools in the NativityMiguel Network of Schools.  Until 2001, there was no coordinated or systematic approach at the national level to open schools.  The growth of the NativityMiguel Network was inspired and spirited; those who chose to replicate the model did so by focusing on recreating the conditions of success they had observed at an existing Nativity or San Miguel school.  In 2001, BJ Cassin established the Cassin Educational Initiatives Foundation and provided funding for formal networking at the national level and start-up funding for schools.  More than 60% of schools have opened since that time.  At the heart of this growth, the founding spirit remains the identification of need, an uncompromising commitment to justice, a great deal of faith and determination, and the offering of sensible solutions in a model that worked.

The nature of our growth has brought us to the point of recognizing the importance of stating more clearly:

• Who we are
• What we do
• How we do it

The Mission Assessment Process seeks to determine how completely and successfully the NativityMiguel model is implemented in as many schools as possible in the year ahead. Therefore the process is threefold in approach:

1. Survey data collected from all schools, including a snapshot of level of implementation for each standard.
2. Collegial Visits, as a way to school improvement through trusting relationships and sharing of best practices.
3. Support of Accreditation by Recognized Agencies, to ensure that all schools are working toward or have successfully completed accreditation.

The NativityMiguel Network and the mission assessment process will allow us to:

• Achieve consistency in standards and school improvement in standards
• Measure results and prove impact
• Build a nationally recognized “brand” with a clear message and strong identity
• Secure significant resources from public, private, and philanthropic sources
• Develop and implement a strategy for continued growth and sustainability

Collegial Visit Guide