NCAE State Board of Education Review December 2014

NCAE SBE Review INSTRUCTIONAL POLICY UPDATES

D E C E M B E R

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SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

Recognized the NC Finalists for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. Math K-6: Heather Landreth of Pitt, Kayonna Pitchford of Cumberland, and Meredith Stanley of Buncombe.

Science K-6: Justin Osterstrom of Wake, Kristin Bedell of Orange, and Wendy DiStefano of Rowan Salisbury.

Impact of New Teacher Contracts Due to new contract and career status legislation, the SBE discussed needed changes regarding the annual requirements for teacher observation. The discussion focused on teachers who have a continuing license, but not career status. Providing a process where teachers with three or more years experience could be evaluated using the abbreviated observation process like career status teachers would assist administrators with a high number of new teachers in their schools. The Principal Advisor on the SBE said changing this policy would be a wonderful sign of support for principals. If the SBE approves the suggested change in January, the standards that will be included for the abbreviated observation process would be Standards III, IV and VI.

Two exemplary alternative education programs provided an update on programs; Davidson County and Harnett County. The students who spoke said it all: small classes, caring teachers, hands-onlearning and flexible scheduling saved them and is allowing them to reach their potential.

Waivers regarding NC Final Exams As the state continues to revamp curriculum/essential standards and create new assessments pursuant to the Board’s policy, DPI is providing LEAs and charters with the opportunity to request waivers from the NC Final Exam process for the 2014-15 school year. The following LEA/charter schools have asked for a wavier; Alexander County Schools, Alleghany County Schools, Ashe County Schools, Avery County Schools, Casa Esperanza Montessori, Caswell County Schools, Catawba County, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Cherokee County Schools, Cornerstone Charter Academy, Currituck County Schools, Elkin City Schools, Graham County Schools, Henderson County Schools, Hickory City Schools, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Jackson County Schools, Johnston County Schools, Macon County Schools, Montgomery County

SBE approved a new accountability model for the sixty-six Alternative Schools that will provide some flexibility for these schools.

Schools, Mooresville Graded School District, Mount Airy City Schools, Newton-Conover Schools, Polk County Schools, Randolph County Schools, Stanly County Schools, Stokes County Schools, Surry County Schools, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Union Academy Charter, Vance Charter School, Watauga County Schools, Wilkes County Schools, Yadkin County Schools.

The following six LEAs have been approved for waivers in NC Final Exam/middle-school CTE exams: Iredell-Statesville Schools, Macon County Schools, Pinnacle Classical Academy, Watauga County Schools, Wilkes County Schools and Yadkin County Schools.

NCAE SBE Review December 2014

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Teacher Effectiveness Report SBE heard a presentation on the use of Multiple

The report relying so heavily on EVVAS data caused

Measures of Teacher Effectiveness, based on the

some concern by SBE members and advisors to the

last three years of student data. North Carolina is

State Board. Principal Advisor, Dr. Carrie Tulbert

one of 34 states that have a student growth com-

stated that the EVVAS data is a mystery in numer-

ponent as part of the teacher evaluation. The main

ous ways. She shared that she has been trained in

focus of the report was how EVAAS data is not

the observation process and understands the stand-

being used to assist observers in proper calibration

ards, and has attempted to better understand EVAAS

of rating a teacher. In other words, some teacher

but the training has not been comprehensive. She

ratings are inflated and teachers are receiving

provided two examples that demonstrated the down-

more global ratings due to lack of observers

side of using data to determine an effective teacher

knowledge of how to use EVVAS data. The test

where the data does not provide the correct or valid

data should connect to the observation rating.

effectiveness rating of teachers. The 2013 Teacher

It was noted that student survey data is useful and should be used more to address teacher effectiveness and what happens in the classroom. The pilot Tripod student survey demonstrated correlations between standards and student growth.

Peer observations and teacher self-assessment and survey data was useful as well.

of the Year Karyn Dickerson shared that the report caused her some worries as it appeared the test score was being recognized as the most important aspect of a teacher’s job, not taking into account all that a teacher does building positive relationships and caring for the whole child, and creating student leaders.

She shared that teachers have a role for all students beyond a test score.

Two other HOT Topics!

The SBE discussed at length renaming the Civics and Economics required course, to American History: The Founding Principles, Civics and Economics to reflect alignment to the legislation requiring a semester course be taught on the Founding Principles. Currently in the Essential Standards the founding principles are taught in grades 4, 5, 8, and high school US History. These principles are not taught in isolation.

The SBE discussed many aspects of charter schools: for months there has been conversation on the process for the assumption of inadequately performing charter schools and the SBE will vote on new policy in January.

SBE received notification that all eleven of the new charter schools in their planning year are doing well.

SBE discussed potential new policies needed regarding the pilot of virtual charter schools. MORE to come on the nuances of this issue in January and February.

NCAE

SBE

REVIEW