1. Student achievement is our focus.
The quality of the teacher has the greatest impact on student achievement.

2. Eagle County Schools
Serves the Vail and Eagle River Valleys in the Central Rockies
Including ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek
6,344 students in Fall 2011
Hispanic: 49.9%
English Language Learners: 37.3%
Percent Free/Reduced Lunch: 42.5%
18 Schools/Campuses
1 Preschool Center
9 Elementary Schools
3 Middle Schools
2 Traditional High Schools, 1 Alternative High School, 1 ESL High School
1 Ski & Snowboard Academy (5-12)
1 K-8 Public School
1 K-8 Charter School
890 employees
497 certified teachers

3. Timeline of Implementation
Mill levy passes, planning begins
st 5 schools
nd 5 schools
rd (final) 5 schools
October 2006 Teacher Incentive Fund grant
March-June % of district office admin leaves
interim superintendent
new (and current) superintendent

4. ECS Demographic & CSAP Trends 2002-2011
No Scores = Unsat
* CSAP Data Reflect % Proficient or Advanced Across All Grades

5. Poverty & Non Poverty CSAP GAP Trends Reading 2008-2011
35%
31%
29%
29%

6. Poverty & Non Poverty CSAP GAP Trends Math 2008-2011
24%
25%
25%
24%

7. Poverty & Non Poverty CSAP GAP Trends Writing 2008-2011
34%
34%
32%
34%

8. Teacher Effectiveness in ECS SY09-10

9. Teacher Effectiveness in ECS SY10-11

10. Teacher Effectiveness in ECS SY11-12

11. Elements of Reform Effort
Multiple Career Paths
Ongoing, Applied Professional Growth
Instructionally-Focused Accountability
Performance-Based Compensation

12. Multiple Career Paths Strengths & Opportunities Challenges & Barriers
Career Teachers
Mentor Teachers
Master Teachers
30% release
30% teaching
100% teaching
70% teaching
70% release
Master teachers – 1:14-16
Mentor teachers – 1:4-6
Strengths & Opportunities
Leadership opportunities for teachers
Those practicing the craft (well) are leading others who are learning
Challenges & Barriers
Supply of quality candidates
“Us” vs “them” attitude (non-participating teachers)

13. Ongoing, Applied Professional Growth
Cluster Groups (aka Professional Learning Communities)
Focus on individual student, teacher and school achievement
Account for grade-level, subject or departmental differences
Leadership is provided by both the Mentor and Master teachers
Function most effectively with 4-6 teachers participating
Meet a minimum of 60 minutes weekly (during contract time)
Strengths & Opportunities
Teacher collaboration – intense learning about practice
Creates team culture in building and across district
Challenges & Barriers
Cost
Effective processes for effective collaboration (“show and tell” vs deep learning)

14. Instructionally-Focused Accountability & Performance Compensation
Individual Teacher Evaluation Scores
Weighted, final score (master and principal evaluations)
Annual salary increase
Student Achievement Index
TCAP, ACT, NWEA-MAP
Annual bonus
Strengths & Opportunities
Evaluation and reflection typically lead to professional growth – better teaching
Financial incentives in an industry atypical in terms of salary structure
Challenges & Barriers
Cost
Qualified evaluators
Student-to-teacher linkages

15. Discussion Our advice . . . Relationships and collaboration are key
Understand the motivations of all stakeholder groups
Just start
Anticipate roadblocks
Think and plan for all that you can, and you’ll be forgiven for most of what’s unanticipated
Obvious issues that appear unanticipated cause doubt and mistrust
Commit to continual evolution
You’re never done
Discussion

16. Contact Information
Dr. Sandra Smyser Traci Wodlinger Director of Professional Development