“Step” n2 M-STAR! S trategic T ools for E ducator P reparation

2. “Step” n2 M-STAR!Strategic Tools for Educator Preparation • This training was designed to support the training effort of all Mississippi educators to learn the M-STAR process. • M-STAR is a tool for you to use as a road map to successin your classroom. • Today, learn the basics of this process and prepare to use it for your professional growth. • More training is coming your way, and we are excited to bring it to you.

3. Objectives of This Training • To introduce the Mississippi Statewide Teacher Appraisal Rubric (M-STAR) to Mississippi teachers • To help teachers acquire knowledge and understanding of M-STAR • To increase teacher effectiveness • To promote higher levels of achievement for all students

4. The research and dataare clear! “Teacher quality is the single most important variable impacting student achievement.” (Rivkin, Hanushek & Kain, 2005; Rockoff, 2004)

5. What do teachers want to know?

6. Why an appraisal system now? • Under previous systems of evaluating teachers’ work, the scores teachers have received have become separated from the key output – student learning. • Teachers have received considerably higher ratings than test results suggest should be the case. • Meaningful evaluations start with a well-designed system. But ultimately the system’s success depends on strong implementationwith good communication at its core.

7. What have your previous evaluations been like? Were they • Consistent throughout your school and district? • Completed each semester? • Informative to you? • Helpful in your professional growth? • Grounded in best practices and research?

8. Most Important Reason for Effective Appraisals • Student Achievement • U.S. ranks 17th in industrialized nations in education • In Mississippi, almost 50% of children in 3rd-8th grade are below grade level in language arts and math. • Low graduation rates! • Students not equipped with 21st-century skills! • Whose job is it to improve these outcomes? All Mississippi educators!

9. Federal and State Theory of Action

10. How is M-STAR different?

11. MS Teacher Evaluation M-STAR

12. M-Star Timeline 2011-2012 Pilot implemented with 20 schools in Mississippi January – July 2012 Focus group review and feedback July 2012 – July 2013 Statewide training on use of the system 2013-2014 Field test the M-STAR process 2014-2015 Full implementation

13. More Questions from Teachers Is my pay going to decrease? Do I have to do this? What is in it for me?

14. Observation Cycle Review lesson plan, understand context, + ask clarifying questions Key Questions: What are students learning? What is the evidence for this learning? Effective, concrete feedback + next steps are key! Observe feedback in action

15. Five Components of the Teacher Observation Cycle • Teacher self-assessment • Professional Growth Goals (PGG) and Student Learning Objectives (SLO) - MDE will have additional training in the future on these items. • Walk-through visits • Formal observations and conferences 5. Student surveys (optional)

16. M-STAR Ratings A teacher’s performance on each standard will be appraised in accordance with a four-level rating scale: • Level 4 Distinguished: Indicates that the teacher’s performance consistentlyexceeds expectations– exemplary; cream of the crop! • Level 3 Effective: Indicates that the teacher’s performance meets expectations. Learning is evident! • Level 2 Emerging: Indicates that the teacher’s performance inconsistently meets expectations. PD is needed as teacher continues to learn more about the science of teaching and learning. • Level 1 Unsatisfactory: Indicates that the teacher’s performance does not meet expectations. An immediate plan of improvement should be designed by the administrator and teacher.

17. Example: Summative Observation Rating SPRING SCORING (2.75 + 4 + 2.5 + 3.5 + 2.5) = 3.05 5

19. What does the rubric mean? The M-STAR rubric can be difficult to understand. What can I do to simplify it? It is important to fully understand the rubric!

20. M-STAR Rubric Overview • Five domains (weighted equally) • Planning (4 standards) • Assessment (2 standards) • Instruction (5 standards) • Learning Environment (5 standards) • Professional Responsibilities (4 standards) • 20 standards (placed among the 5 domains)

21. A Closer Look Look at your copy of the M-STAR appraisal rubric. • Find Domains • Locate Standards • Identify the Indicators • Examine Domains III and IV

22. What do best practices look like? • Don’t get lost in what the standards are saying. . . • Instead, focus on whatbehaviors will be seen whenan effective teacher andhis/her students are observed.

23. Actively engages students in the learning process Standard 8 Teachers will be: Using a variety of teaching strategies and resources Teaching appropriate for skill levels and different learning styles Linking content with student interests Probing and incorporating students’ questions As a facilitator, he/she is able to grasp and hold students’ attention. Using a wide range of learning skills and technology to enhance learning Within close proximity to students Exhibiting excitement and interest in lesson and students Leading a student-centered classroom Can you think of other evidence of engaging students in learning?

24. Actively engages students in the learning process Standard 8 Students will be: • Asking and answering questions • Their questions reflect applicable understanding of content • Responding to formative assessments • Using technology to access, interpret, and apply information • Demonstrating interest in lesson/activity • Learning on their level; engaged • What else will they be doing if they are truly engaged?

25. What are artifacts? • Real working documents that provide evidence of the standards • Administrators will talk with you further about what artifacts are important • Artifacts are not “portfolios” or decorated boxes that are time consuming to organize!!

26. Are we reaching our students? What is a 21st- century educator?

27. M-STAR Key Points • Student-centered vs. teacher-centered • Rubric is not a checklist but used to evaluate where a “preponderance of evidence” points on the rating scale. • Conversations and FACE-TO-FACE feedback are key pieces in improving teacher practice. • Stay focused on clear communication, which is transparent and professional.

28. Will it be some work? Yes. . . but you work hard everyday.

29. Develop Your M-STAR Cruise Plan

30. Any Questions?

31. Exit Slips

32. For More Information Contact: m-star@mde.k12.ms.us MDE Quality Professionals and Special Schools 601.359.3631

33. For More Information Check out the RCU website: www.rcu.msstate.edu Under the MDE tab, go to the M-STAR tab and find great reference items put there for you.

34. Contact Information Lois Kappler, M-STAR Coach lois.kappler@rcu.msstate.edu 662.325.3764 (w) 662.546.0066 (c) Call or text – leave a message with your information and your call will be returned.