DAC Meeting: September 27, 2010 Lead by: Mark Smith, Dina Hasiotis and Ann Best Welcome: Mark Smith ‐ we are continuing to call the members of the DAC and asking for their support and participation Introductions: Ann Best – Self, meeting attendees, TNTP staff – ‐Objectives: o Understand why HISD is building a new Appraisal and Development system o Review design process and the design principles for this new system o Understand the role a robust and rigorous appraisal system plays in improving teacher effectiveness o Discuss 1st SDMC and DAC Recommendation: Types of performance criteria for teacher appraisal Presentation: Ann Best ‐ Review of data collected via TNTP survey Question: On this scale – how does it break out to 44% • TNTP to share the breakout details of the data re: strongly agree/disagree ‐ Teacher feedback on how PDAS and MPDAS are being used – currently not providing them feedback ‐ Why teacher effectiveness is so important to the success of students ‐ Shifting the bell curve ‐ HISD’s vision for a new performance appraisal process Pause for questions: Question – The appraisal process that is used is state approved. Are we gathering data and presenting to the state? Answer: We don’s not need state approval, but must follow the state’s process for designing the new system. You are part of a groundbreaking effort to create a system not issued by the state but based on your feedback, Due to state law, there is a specific process that must be followed. DAC will develop and approve the process and criteria for a review system that is not state issued. Design process overview: Dina Hasiotis, TNTP ‐ From now thru end of Jan, we will be engaging DAC and the SDMCs in the design process ‐ Decisions to be shared with the public in January ‐ Board approval towards the end of February, beginning of March ‐ Goal is to begin using new process at the start of next school year. ‐ SDMC’s will be involved in 4 cycles of meetings. DAC meeting will mimic those. • Cycle 1 – learn about design process and begin gathering information o Working period to follow o Submission of recommendation • Cycle II & III – regional meetings, SDMC’s will gather together to share info and then present back to their schools ‐ DAC – once SDMC’s submit recommendations, there is time for DAC to review their recommendations and make their suggestions • Two meetings per cycle • One learning meeting around design / second meeting to review recommendations Question posed to group‐ Is it okay to have two meetings one on Oct 18th and the other on Oct 21st? Or just a longer meeting on Oct. 21st? Question: Is this something that can be done in one meeting? Is there something we need to know to be prepared for the meeting on the 21st? Can we combine them into the meeting on the 18th? Answer: Yes, earlier is best to get the information. If both meetings are combined, it would be aprox a 3hr meeting… DAC decision – Combine meeting to October 18th from 3:30 – 6:30 ** DAC requests catering – sandwiches / food ** Question: Can we combine the remaining DAC meetings? Answer: It would be preferable not to, given the amount of material to cover ‐ Review of guiding design principles ‐ What we are doing today:: o Discuss the TYPES of criteria that could be included in designing a new appraisal system ‐ guiding parameters to keep in mind: ƒ coverage – the criteria is broad & hits all aspects ƒ reflects & generates excellence – goal is to develop excellence ƒ precision of language – make sure whatever system is developed is understandable and easily communicated including clear outcomes ƒ inference – make it as low inference as possible, geared to specific observable outcomes versus input st
o 1 charge of DAC – ƒ Build a recommendation on the types of criteria based upon the SDMC’s recommendations 1. Be sure it hits a wide range of teacher performance 2. See slide on page 23 for examples of types of criteria • SDMC’s are currently working on developing a similar list which will be shared with you at the next meeting for review and consideration ™ 5 min review of criteria examples by DAC Question: – I am leading SDMC meeting. Do SDMC’s just have to turn in the types? We aren’t doing criteria, just types. Answer: Yes. Just types this round and more specifics will come next Question:: How many types should they be suggesting? Answer: There is not set amount of types, but you would want to consider what would be feasible under the new system ** Concern : we want to be careful that what we are measuring doesn’t lower the bar as required by state law. Ex: Special Ed and ELL students. ™ 5 min exercise for each DAC member to consider types of criteria they would suggest ‐‐if you were to observe a teacher and walk out thinking “ that was a really effective teacher”… what would you have seen? Take a few minutes to sketch out what you saw, what types of things made an effective teacher. DAC Member: ‐ Students engaged ‐ Thinking at a higher level ‐ Authentically engaged ‐ Pacing ‐ Students making connections on their own ‐ Multi sensory ‐ Students helping each other ‐ Teacher would be individualizing… observable in small groups ‐ Students would know routines and procedures ‐ Safe climate, risk free, student utilizing print on the wall on their own DAC Member: ‐ Teacher being in learning with student (not a sit and get, but teacher is actively engaged in the learning) – teacher is connected to the student throughout the learning process DAC Member: ‐ Teacher is in the learning zone, not behind the desk or at the front of the room ‐ Teacher is participating in the learning ‐ Seek closure at the end of the lesson / ensure students understand what was accomplished and learned DAC Member ‐ Teachers uses well thought out teaching techniques ‐ Students engage in meaningful dialogue with other students ‐ Student products along the walls that show creative thought ‐ Vocabulary and writing stressed throughout the lesson ‐ Teacher is facilitator ‐ Students should be working harder than the teacher DAC Member ‐ Evident that teacher is prepared and has planned and thought out the lesson ‐ Student understands why they are doing what they are learning (less of what they are doing and more what they are learning) DAC Member: ‐ Students are learning the future importance of what they are being taught today DAC Member: ‐
Teacher is scaffolding questions that lead to student engagement / Specific instructional techniques used Conclusion/Next steps: The next meeting to review the SDMC Cycle 2 recommendations will be on October 18th. Email Kae with any questions or effective teachers HISD email. Question‐ Is it okay to start talking to others about the initiative Answer‐ YES, please do!