Presentation by Dr. Doug Bower

Always in motion is the future -Master Yoda

A Time of Transitions Transition to new tests/testing Transition to new Elementary Standards Transition to new grade levels Transition to new teacher evaluation process Transition to new leadership programs

New Tests/Testing Basic Skills/TAP/ACT Content Tests APT Changing based on revised Illinois Professional Teaching Standards Moving to a single version (September 2014) edTPA Required beginning Fall2015

New Elementary Standards Proposed implementation dates Admitted after July 1, 2014 Completing September 2017 or later Expectations linked to common core and RTI Core areas of literacy and mathematics Strong tie to research based instructional approaches Areas of attention-assessment, multi-tiered support, supportive environment Not held to these standards for licensure but…. More information -

New Grade Levels New grade levels (2017) Early Childhood – Birth – Grade 3 Elementary – Grades 1-6 (self contained) Middle School – Grades 5-8 (not self contained) High School – Grades 9-12 Change in endorsement process for Middle School Beginning in February 2018 must complete an approved middle school program to be endorsed to teach middle school. More information -

Teacher Evaluation PERA – Performance Evaluation Reform Act Requires districts to design and implement performance evaluation systems that assess teachers’ and principals’ professional skills as well as incorporate measures of student growth. Teacher evaluation systems will provide clear descriptions of professional excellence so everyone understands what great teaching means. The evaluations will be based on standards of effective practice, with evaluators trained and pre-qualified to conduct observations, collect evidence and provide helpful, timely feedback. The new evaluations will add objectivity to a practice that almost universally was subjective. In addition, student achievement will become a significant factor in every evaluation by the school year. More information -

New leadership programs Teacher Leader Principal Superintendent