Introduction to the SLO Cycle

1. Introduction to the SLO Cycle “These materials have been adapted in whole or in part with permission from the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders.”

2. SLOs as a Measure of Student Growth A SLO is a measurable, long-term, academic goal informed by available data that a teacher or a team of teachers sets for a group of students over a period of time.

3. Reflecting on Student Learning Outcome

4. The SLO Evaluation Cycle Source: Lachlan-Haché, L., Cushing, E., & Bivona, L. (2012). Student learning objectives as measures of educator effectiveness: The basics. Washington, DC: American Institutes for Research. Retrieved from http://educatortalent.org/inc/docs/SLOs_Measures_of_Educator_Effectiveness.pdf

5. BCPS Timeline for 2013-14

6. How Are SLOs Developed?

7. I. SLO Development Source: Lachlan-Haché, L., Cushing, E., & Bivona, L. (2012). Student learning objectives as measures of educator effectiveness: The basics. Washington, DC: American Institutes for Research. Retrieved from http://educatortalent.org/inc/docs/SLOs_Measures_of_Educator_Effectiveness.pdf

8. I. SLO Development Process The Teacher Should… The Evaluator Should… Support teachers in locating and/or creating aligned assessments (DC can support) Meet with teachers and teams as they review their assessments (DC can support) Provide feedback for revisions if necessary (DC can support) • Decide what is the best assessment available • Meet with teachers of the same grade level/content to discuss rigor, alignment and complexity • Create a common assessment if none exists

9. Standardized tests Constructed responses Performances Curriculum-based assessments Unit tests Portfolios of work samples Authentic assessments Licensure or professional exams Anecdotal Records Examples of Student Learning Outcomes- Assessments

10. I. SLO Development Process The Teacher Should… The Evaluator Should… Meet with teachers as they plan (DC can help facilitate) Review the assessments and scoring tool (DC can help facilitate) Schedule initial conference • Determine the class you will target • Collect evidence of student’s starting point and the growth they will achieve (mastery or progress) • Use form to specify targeted population, interval, content standard, write your outcome

11. BCPS Student Learning Outcome Template

12. How many SLOs do I create??? “2+1” • 1st is based on the classes/curriculum you teach (Ex: 4th Grade Math Unit) • 2nd is based on one of your principal’s SLOs • +1 applies to HSA tested areas only • If you teach an HSA tested subject you must align a 3rd SLO that reflects supporting student growth on the exam. • School Year 2013-2014 (High School ONLY)

13. II. SLO Approval: Conference(Recommended) Review and Discuss Evidence • Starting Points • Objectives • Make adjustments as needed If changes are notneeded, evaluator approves SLO(s) by signing document Establish next steps for evaluator and teacher • Mid SLO conference (Recommended) • Ongoing assessments

14. II. SLO ApprovalRubric(Required)

15. SLOs Have Been Approved…. Teacher should: 1.) Implement instruction that support success towards SLO 2.) Collect formative assessment data to monitor student progress 3.) Adjust instruction as necessary 4.) Keep administration informed of : *Success towards meeting outcome **Difficulties towards meeting outcome (could result in need for adjustment)

16. Mid Point Check In Teacher Should Evaluator should Before: Schedule Mid-SLO Conference (Recommended) During: Ask questions to gauge current level of student learning and how you can support teachers efforts to promote academic achievement After: Follow through with support strategies discussed Before: • Collect data related to your SLO During: • Be prepared to discuss student data (assessments, student work) • Progress/Lack of progress towards growth After : • Continue to monitor progress

17. III. Midpoint Check-In • Use the sample SLO you have been given along with evidence to evaluate progress with this SLO • Record Information on organizer you have been provided

18. IV. Final Review of SLO- Scoring and Attainment

19. Summative VS Formative Formative Summative Mid Year - SLO not included End of Year SLO Rating Rubric Evaluation Calculator • Narrative as a result of calculating SLO data • Score of SLO not assigned

20. SLO Rating Rubric

21. Student Data Snapshot

22. V. Discussion of Summative- Rating and Impact on Performance

23. Examples of SLO Growth Targets Basic Growth Target: • All students have the same growth target. • Example: All of my 4th grade students will grow by 10 points by the end of the unit.

24. Examples of SLO Growth Targets Simple Average Growth Calculation: • Growth targets are determined by a common formula, but each student has a different growth target based on his or her preassessment score. • Example: Based on the preassessment score, students will score halfway between their baseline score and 100. • If student scored 50 on the preassessment, student growth target is 75. • If a student scored 40 on the pre-assessment… Student growth target is 70.

25. Examples of SLO Growth Targets Tiered Growth Target: • Group students together based on their preassessment scores. • Divide students into three or more categories (low, mid, advanced). • Example:

26. Examples of SLO Growth Targets Advanced Tiered Growth Target: • Students have a tiered target based on their preassessment. • Divide students into three or more categories (low, mid, advanced). • Students have to reach the greater of the two targets. • Example:

27. References • Austin Independent School District. (2010). AISD REACH program update. Austin, TX: Author.Retrieved from http://archive.austinisd.org/inside/docs/ope_09-83_RB_Reach_TAKS_and_SLOs.pdf • Community Training and Assistance Center. (2013). It’s more than money: Teacher Incentive Fund—Leadership for Educators’ Advanced Performance Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Boston, MA: Author. • Donaldson, M. L. (2012). Teachers’ perspectives on evaluation reform. Washington, DC: Center for American Progress. • Lachlan-Haché, L., Matlach, L., Reese, K., Cushing, E., & Mean, M. (2013). Student learning objectives: Early lessons from the Teacher Incentive Fund. Washington, DC: Teacher Incentive Fund Technical Assistance Network. • Lachlan-Haché, L., Cushing, E., & Bivona, L. (2012). Student learning objectives as measures of educator effectiveness: The basics.Washington, DC: American Institutes for Research. Retrieved from http://educatortalent.org/inc/docs/SLOs_Measures_of_Educator_Effectiveness.pdf • Lachlan-Haché, L., Cushing, E., & Bivona, L. (2012). Student learning objectives: Benefits, challenges, and solutions. Washington, DC: American Institutes for Research. Retrieved from http://educatortalent.org/inc/docs/SLOs_Benefits_Challenges_Solutions.pdf • TNTP. (2012). Summer report: Creating a culture of excellence in Indiana schools. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana Department of Education. • What Works Clearinghouse. (2009). Using student achievement data to support instructional decision making. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of EducationSciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance.