Assessment in a Standards – Based Approach:
The Thompson , Colorado, School District
The teacher assessment program of Colorado’s Thompson School District is a straightforward, easy –to- understand teacher assessment system. The standard-based evaluation system uses student achievement as only one factor in the teacher’s performance review. Benchmarks for student learning goals are set with both standardized test and informal assessments used to measure performance. Student achievement is measured using pre- and postinstruction measures that are selected based on content standards. When the time comes for an annual evaluation conference between the teacher and the principal, the teacher submits evidence of student learning based on gain scores, which is reviewed as part of the evaluation cycle. Results of the evaluation cycle are then connected to the teacher’s professional growth plan for the following year. Thus, improvement in teacher performance is the hallmark of the system.
Assessment Through Goal – Setting
The Alexandria, Virginia, School District
Alexandria City Public School System’s Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) is a comprehensive evaluation system designed to portray the complex
table
nature of teaching. The evaluation system consists of four main components : formal observations , portfolios, and academic goal – setting. The forth component, achievement by requiring teacher to set annual quantifiable goals related to their students’ academic progress. As a value-added student growth model, student goal-setting can be customized for each class and teacher depending on instructional goals. The process places emphasis on professional development and improved student achievement. To determine which academic goals to set, teachers use the following guidelines:
• Identifying the content area to be addressed.
• Collecting baseline data for student performance using the best available means.
• Determining instructional strategies for meeting the student performance goals.
• Providing instruction based on the strategies.
• Measuring student progress by comparing end results baseline data .