Member Resources

A: Quality Review Teams normally range in size from 3 to 5 individuals, varying to meet the size and complexity of the program(s) under review. Each team includes a local practitioner, a team lead, and at least one other peer reviewer. Teams are generally on site for 2 to 3 days (see Sample Site Visit Schedule).

A: During the COVID pandemic, site visits are being conducted fully online using video conferencing and other technology. Compared to the typical in-person visit, virtual visits have a more spread-out schedule, but they encompass the same interviews, meetings, and evidence review. For more information, see guidance for providers on creating the schedule (PDF) and a sample schedule (Excel) for a virtual site visit.

A: A local practitioner is a practicing or recently retired educator who is nominated by the provider to serve on the Quality Review Team. The local practitioner completes AAQEP’s volunteer training (Modules 1 and 3) and is a full member of the review team, contributing a deep knowledge of the providers’ programs, local school dynamics, and the state education system. See this document for guidelines on selecting a local practitioner.

A: Site visit costs include a flat fee of $10,000 (through the 2022-23 academic year) plus travel expenses for members of the Quality Review Team. For virtual visits, the $10,000 fee still applies (as it covers costs that are the same regardless of mode), but of course no travel expenses are incurred or charged.

The flat site visit fee covers visit-related staff time, volunteer training, technology, and administration costs. Half of the fee is paid a year in advance to secure the visit dates; the other half is due 30 days prior to the visit.

Travel costs are invoiced after the visit and include QRT members’ airfare and/or ground transportation, incidentals, and per diem, in accordance with AAQEP’s travel policy. On average, the travel invoice for 2 reviewers totals $2,500-$3,000. The travel expenses invoice does not cover anything the provider pays for directly (e.g., on-site meals, lodging). Note that a provider’s outstanding invoices must be paid in full before the Accreditation Commission decision will take effect.

A: Multiple QARs can be reviewed in the same visit, in which case you will pay just one site visit fee. But each QAR generally requires its own review team, and even a complex single QAR may require an additional member or two on a team—which means your travel expenses may be higher than those for providers with a single QAR and simpler review. If you choose to have an entirely separate review for one or more programs, an additional site visit fee may apply.

A: If you need to change your site visit dates, please email s.hiller@aaqep.org with your request. There is no charge to change site visit dates.