Teacher and Principal Standards for Educator Effectiveness PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY

1. Teacher and Principal Standards for Educator EffectivenessPUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY Summer, 2011

2. State policymakers across the nation are embracing comprehensive educator effectiveness reforms based on teacher and principal performance standards as the key to improving student achievement. Nebraska is involved in this process as well. Educator Effectiveness Reforms Why?

3. What Does the Research Show “The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.” --Michael Barber and Mona Mourshed, How the World’s Best Performing School Systems Come Out on Top (2007)

4. Teachers and Principals make the greatest difference in student achievement. Why Educator Effectiveness? Who are Nebraska’s Teachers and Principals? 24,980 classroom teachers 1,164 principals/assistant principals Serving 336,500 students in 491 public and non-public schools.

5. Curriculum and other reforms won’t work unless educator effectiveness is improved. • State policies on educator effectiveness are often designed piecemeal and reflect lack of coordination across levels of governance. • State policies often focus on preparation and certification and do not address the entire educator career continuum. • Race to Top made educator effectiveness a national priority. Why Educator Effectiveness?

6. Statewide performance standards for educators – beginning with teachers and principals. • Standards-based accountability for educator preparation programs and initial certification. • Statewide induction and mentoring programs. Potential Effectiveness Impact

7. Targeted professional development. • Standards-based evaluation systems for educators. • Compensation and incentives policies. • Working conditions that impact student success. Potential Effectiveness Impact

8. The Process

9. In November, State Board was asked to approve an Educator Effectiveness Initiative based on teacher/principal performance standards. Following input showing wide support from Stakeholders, Board approved standards drafting process. Educator Effectiveness Proposal

10. Drafting Committee with 41 participants representing 13 educational groups met in early 2011. • Reviewed national standards from several organizations as well as standards from many states. • Followed process similar to development of state academic standards. Standards Drafting Process

11. Drafting Committee: The primary purpose of the Nebraska Teacher and Principal standards is to define effective practice in order to improve teaching and learning. Purposes of Standards State Board Accountability Committee: Standards to be a resource for local districts and higher education institutions – a guiding framework describing effective practice – not a regulatory mandate. Standards only useful if they lead to improved student performance.

12. Teachers and Principals: Defined as… Educators whose primary task is working directly with students in a school setting. Consensus that standards for specialists who do not fit the definition above could be developed by local districts. Target Group for Standards

13. Standard Topic: Instructional Strategies. Standard Statement: “The Teacher intentionally uses a variety of effective instructional strategies to ensure growth in student achievement. “ Example Indicators: “ The Teacher… • Uses a range of developmentally and culturally appropriate instructional strategies and resources that are targeted to meet learning goals. • Modifies, adapts, and differentiates instruction and accommodations based on data analysis, observation, and student needs. Standards Format

14. Foundational Knowledge • Planning and Preparation • The Learning Environment • Instructional Strategies • Assessment • Professionalism • Vision and Collaboration Teacher Standards Topics

15. Vision for Learning • Continuous School Improvement • Instructional Leadership • Culture for Learning • Systems Management • Staff Leadership • Developing Relationships • Professional Ethics and Advocacy Principal Standards Topics

16. Teacher and Principal Accountability for Student Learning. • Cultural Competence • Use of Technology Recurring Themes Throughout Standards

17. Fill out demographic information. Designate either an individual or group response. Take the Teacher standards survey, Principal standards survey, or both. Comment on any or all of the Standard/Indicator sets. Completing the Standards Survey

18. Completing the Standards Survey

19. Do the Standards reflect the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective Teacher or Principal in the 21st century? Are the Standards clear and understandable? Are topics like technology, accountability and diversity reflected throughout the Standards? How can the Standards be useful to your local school district? What revisions to the Standards should be considered? As you review the Standards: Things to Think About

20. At the end of the survey, you’ll be asked: • Are the number of standards sufficient? • Are there key topics that are missing from the standards? • Are there topics that should be omitted? • Have the recurring themes of technology, cultural competence, and Teacher/Principal accountability for results been adequately integrated throughout the standards and indicators? Additional Survey Questions

21. At the end of the survey, you’ll be asked: • How can your local school district most effectively use these standards? • Would model teacher and principal evaluation systems based on the standards be useful to your local school district? • What next steps should the State Board of Education and NDE take to most effectively implement these standards? Additional Survey Questions

22. You are now ready to complete the Standards online survey. Close the video window to return to the survey page. Click on “Survey Link” in Step 4, then follow the instructions. Completing the Survey THANK YOU. If you have further comments or questions, please e-mail: nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov