Appraisal Methodology

A manual, point-in-time assessment conducted by the board and school leadership. The team independently gathers governance artifacts — meeting records, policy documents, training logs, financial reports, and compliance evidence — and evaluates each domain against CGMI criteria. Because the assessment relies on self-collected evidence and self-attestation, the maximum achievable maturity rating through a Self-Assessment is Level 2 (Developing). Reaching Level 3 or above requires a Guided Appraisal; reaching Level 5 requires a Certified Appraisal.

Frequency

Ad hoc (point-in-time, typically annual or as needed)

Conducted by

Board members + school administrators

Output

Self-attested domain-level ratings (capped at Level 2)

Rigor

Foundational — manual evidence collection, self-attested, capped at Level 2

A structured annual appraisal facilitated through a governance management platform. The system automates evidence collection across all five domains — pulling meeting records, training completions, policy audit findings, financial data, and compliance events — then maps the evidence to CGMI criteria, produces domain-by-domain maturity ratings, and determines the overall maturity level. The maximum achievable rating through a Guided Appraisal is Level 4 (Advanced). Achieving Level 5 (Exemplary) requires a Certified Appraisal. The first Guided Appraisal typically includes a baseline analysis. Output is the Governance Maturity Appraisal Report.

Frequency

Annual (typically includes a baseline analysis)

Conducted by

Platform-facilitated appraisal using automated tools + evidence analysis

Output

CGMI Domain Ratings + Level Determination + Evidence Report (capped at Level 4)

Rigor

High — platform-driven evidence collection, standardized methodology, documented reasoning, capped at Level 4

A formal appraisal conducted by a trained, CGMI Certified Appraiser. Combines platform data with structured interviews, document review, and direct observation. Results in an official, auditable CGMI rating that can be submitted to authorizers, grant applications, and governance partners. A Certified Appraisal can appraise at any maturity level (1–5) and is the only appraisal tier that can award Level 5 (Exemplary). CGMI certifies Appraisers through a dedicated training and credentialing program.

Frequency

On demand (typically at charter renewal or upon request)

Conducted by

CGMI Certified Appraiser (human) — trained and credentialed through CGMI

Output

Official CGMI Maturity Level Rating + Appraiser-signed Report (any level, required for Level 5)

Rigor

Highest — human judgment + platform data + formal methodology