COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SCHOOL QUALITY ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORKS IN MAHARASHTRA STATE

Education in India aims to promote holistic development and prepare citizens for a global society. Regarding the school curriculum, NEP 2020 expects it to be holistic, integrated and learner-centered. Assessment frameworks play a crucial role in evaluating the education systems and guiding improvements in school performance. School quality assessment has emerged as a central strategy for improving education systems across India. The objectives of school quality assessment are to ensure effective teaching–learning processes, monitor student learning outcomes and promote continuous school improvement. States have developed varying frameworks to evaluate school performance, encourage continuous improvement and ensure accountability. SQAAF (SSC board), SQAA (CBSE board)  both are the most structured state-level models, integrating self-assessment, external evaluation and accreditation. This paper compares various models of quality assessment frameworks adopted by SSC and CBSE board to identify commonalities, differences, strengths and lessons for strengthening school quality systems nationally.