Supporting the SIG Application Process with the Transformation Toolkit Pacesetters Distance Learning Session November 2010

Idaho Context 2008 – IBC was launched with goal of building systemic LEA leadership capacity Past few years – ID has transitioned from school focus to LEA/system focus Fall ID created in-depth method for LEA differentiation of support January Final SIG req’s require backward movement to school focus

Idaho Context January 2010 – Advocated with ED for LEA level work with application for SIG funds Spring 2010 – ◦ LEA approach denied / rewrote SIG application ◦ Began working with tentative PLA schools ◦ PLA definition approved in May Summer 2010 – Negotiated SIG app details August 16, 2010 – ED approved Idaho’s SIG

Who Plans to Participate 13 schools eligible ID wanted to avoid the 25% set-aside ID actively recruited LEAs Letters of intent submitted for every PLA school ◦ (All intend to use the Transformation Model) Conducted TA Workshop on Oct. 21 st

Challenges Transformation Model the only real option Late approval ◦ LEAs struggle to implement for this year ◦ LEAs bound by contractual obligations ◦ LEAs lacked understanding for the full scope of the Transformation Model req’s State is trying to be as flexible as possible

Two Options for LEA Applications Narrative – open ended, but guided by the list of requirements Indistar Toolkit – online, guided by the list of requirements along with suggested behavioral indicators from which to choose Both follow the same basic process of assess, create objectives/goals, plan actions/tasks.

Process – Crosswalk of Req’s

Indicators Grouped by Req.

Toolkit Method For the Toolkit Method, teams use indicators that are grouped under each required activity. Teams can be selective and not answer all indicators, so long as the key words of the requirement are addressed.

A Note on Key Words LEAs needed help focusing attention on key words in each required activity. For example: Implement rigorous, transparent, and equitable evaluation systems for teachers and principals which are developed with staff and use student growth as a significant factor.

1.For each requirement, LEA chooses the indicators it wants to address. 2.LEA follows the steps for each indicator. 3.LEA uses a combination of indicators to answer the requirement…making sure that what is selected addresses the key words of the requirement. For each indicator chosen… Assess Develop Goals/ Objectives Action Plans/ Tasks Budget

Where are we now? All LEAs have given Letter of Intent Awaiting final application submissions Final Deadline – Nov. 30, 2010 Significant questions about LEA capacity