Teacher Evaluation Conversations (#14) Principal Cluster Nov. 30, 2010 Materials – Baskets – contain markers, stickies, pencils/pens Handouts – Graphic Organizer – 2-sided – Venn on one side, 2-Columns w/ 1 block on other side 8 Articles on Cardstock. Each article printed on a different color. The Four Domains of Teaching Responsibility Chart Paper & Markers To capture common themes and ideas on the “What” & “How” of teaching

A Flawed System Outdated, limited, evaluative criteria Few shared assumptions about teaching Lack of precision in evaluation Hierarchical, one-way communication Same procedures for novices and experienced professionals Limited evaluator expertise Limited data

Modern Researchers: Robert Marzano Doug Revees Thomas McGreal Charlotte Danielson Linda Darling-Hammond James H. Strong And a host of others

Purposes of Teacher Evaluation Quality Assurance Professional Learning

What Does the current Research Share? Activity - Working in Groups of 4 – The graphic organizers The Venn Diagram (Side 1) The Notetaking Columns (Side 2) The “My Conclusions” Box (Side 2) Dave - Share and explain the Graphic Organizer Side 1 – Venn Diagram – Used to capture the key ideas of the two (2) articles each member of the group will read – Those specific to each article AND the common ideas of both articles. Side 2 –Column Organizer – Will be used by the members of the group to capture information shared by each member about the 2 articles they read. My Conclusions – Used at the end of the activity, after all discussion as a time to reflect and plan next steps at their district/building Dave

8 Passages using Teacher Evaluation as their theme Each are printed to a different color of cardstock Each has current research/information concerning Teacher Evaluation Dave

Share your findings with your tablemates Your Task – Select any 2 of the colored cardstock Read the 2 articles Using the Venn Diagram Compare, Contrast, Find the Similarities of the two passages you have chosen Share your findings with your tablemates Allow 20 minutes for this part of the activity. Dave

As your Tablemates share their learnings and insights Use the Column side (Side 2) of your Organizer Sheet to capture - Essence of the Passage Interesting Findings Possible “Take Homes” Large Group – Take 7-12 minutes to bring the ideas and revelations together. Capture on Chart Paper Dave & Beth

My Conclusions Box Capture, based upon what you read, heard and/or learned - Something that interested you something you will do or implement when you return to school Provide 3-7 minutes for them to reflect and write. Break Time – 10 minutes Dave

Break time… Take 10 minutes

The Complexity of Teaching Physically demanding Emotionally demanding Cognitively demanding It is useful to think of teaching as similar to not one but several other professions, combining the skills of business management, human relations, and theater arts. Charlotte Danielson, 1996, 2007

A Blueprint for Teacher Evaluation Clear definition of teaching (the “what”) Instruments and procedures that provide evidence of teaching (the “how”) A process for determining the “what” and the “how” Trained evaluators who can make consistent judgments based on evidence Charlotte Danileson, 1996, 2007

Activity – Does the Teacher Evaluation Instrument your district currently use assess the - “What” of teaching? The “How” of teaching? The process for determining the “What” and “How”? Were you trained to evaluate and make consistent judgments based on evidence? Have them review first their instrument. Then hold a discussion; Does it fulfill the “what” and “how”? Have them use 2 different highlighters – Use 1 to identify indicators which speak to the “What” of teaching and another for the “How of Teaching How were you trained to evaluate? Have them first share in their group of 4. Then bring the question to the big group. Ask for volunteers to share their experience. Do you judge your evaluation to be consistent? Why or why not? Allow time for personal reflection. What would you change or enhance about your current evaluation system? Allow time for personal reflection – 2-3 minutes Ask for some sharing – No more than 3-7 minutes Where do you think your district might “go next” in the evaluation arena? Dee

“The Framework for Teaching” Charlotte Danielson Wide Range of Purposes From meeting novices’ needs to enhancing veteran’s skills Serves as a road map of the complexities of teaching Identifies a shared understanding of teaching

The 4 Domains Planning and Preparation The Classroom Environment Instruction Professional Responsibilities Charlotte Danielson – Author & Researcher Hold a brief discussion of the 4 domains and their definitions. Domain 1 – describes the critical, behind-the-scenes work of organizing for classroom instruction Domain 2 – The classroom environment is a critical aspect of a teacher’s skill in promoting learning. Students can’t concentrate on the academic content if they don’t feel comfortable in the classroom. Domain 3 – The heart of the framework for teaching; it describes the critical interactive work that teachers undertake when they bring complex content to life for their students. Domain 4 – Represents “behind the scenes” work associated with teaching. Teachers demonstrate their commitment to high ethical and professional standards and seek to improve their practice. Hand out Pink Paper – 1. Identify the lettered-bold statements as Components, and the smaller print statements below them as Elements 2. Ask the participants to identify two components in each domain they believe to be essential to teaching. Have participants fold the paper in ½ the long direction, and look: Domains 1 & 4 - These domains are more nebulous to observe and judge as to effect and affect upon teaching Domains 2 7 3 – These domains are the business of teaching and are more easily observed and documented. The Essential 8– 1 – Selecting Instructional Outcomes & Designing Coherent Instruction 2 – Establishing a Culture for Learning & Managing Student Behavior 3 – Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques & Engaging Students in Learning 4 – Using Question and Discussion Techniques & Engaging Students in Learning Deb

Where is the State of Nebraska headed? Rule 10 requires the district’s evaluation system/form be on file at NDE requires the form on file BE the current district evaluation system NDE allows districts to Review, revise, implement new systems as long as it is filed with NDE Will NOT dictate, nor endorse an evaluation system to be used by a NE district It may suggest a model or two

Next Principal Cluster - January 25, 2011 8 AM- 12 N Topic - 21st Century Skills, Changing School Culture