A message from the Superintendent
Nov. 2, 2012
Good afternoon:
Like many other school districts across the country, Seattle launched a new teacher evaluation system that supports professional growth and endeavors to ensure that every child in Seattle is taught by a high quality teacher. We are now in our third year of implementing the Professional Growth and Evaluation system. This important work has been possible because of the collaboration with the Seattle Education Association and the leadership of our principals.
We have moved from an evaluation system where teaching practice was loosely defined to one that provides a dynamic assessment of individual teaching practice. We use a four-tiered professional growth model that defines teaching according to professional standards, based upon the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching. This rubric fosters reflection, conversation and professional growth.
In addition to classroom observations and conversations regarding practice, we use student growth results as one factor in the process of evaluation. Beginning this fall, teachers who have been on this system for two school years prior to 2012-2013, and who teach tested subjects and grades, will receive a student growth rating based upon two assessments and a two year rolling average of student assessment data.
We originally planned to roll out this data on Monday, Nov. 5. However, while we are very close to finalizing the data and feel the pressure of meeting deadlines, we are asking our analysts to review the data for a final time, looking for any anomalies in order to ensure it is absolutely accurate. Given the importance of how this information will be used, we owe this first, and foremost, to our teachers. Student growth ratings will be made available the week of November 13th.
Because evaluating teachers must be based upon multiple factors, we must not draw conclusions based upon a single measure. Student growth outcomes should be examined in the proper context by considering the circumstances in which learning occurred.
The student growth rating is not to be used in a punitive manner. A teacher who receives a high student growth rating may be eligible for additional career ladder opportunities. Teachers who receive a low growth rating will receive additional observations and support from his or her evaluator.
Seattle is a pioneer in this work, embarking upon new territory in the state of Washington. New state legislation in Senate Bill 5895 (passed during the last legislative session) chartered a parallel path for the entire state. We are aware of the complexities inherent in this work and we will work together with our educators, stakeholders and union leadership to make future refinements and improvements to the PG&E evaluation system.
As an education community, we are here to support one another. We want to hold ourselves to the highest standards and work towards achieving and exceeding these standards. Our students and families are counting on us to be leaders on issues of quality teaching and leadership. I value your leadership and collaboration in these efforts and want you to know that I support your good work with our students each and every day.
Sincerely,
José Banda
Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools
