Walla Walla Public Schools develops new model for teacher and principal evaluations

Walla Walla Public Schools develops new model for teacher and principal evaluations
Twenty percent of Walla Walla teachers will use new evaluation model next year

Walla Walla Public Schools is participating in a pilot program this school year to develop a model for teacher and principal evaluation changes based on requirements of the education reform bill E2SSB 6696 passed by the Washington State Legislature in the 2010 session.

"As the district's leadership team was watching the state's new evaluation model becoming a reality in legislation, it was decided to be proactive and not wait for the roll out of mandated implementation deadlines." said Assistant Superintendent Laure Quaresma. "The district wanted an evaluation system which focused on a growth model to provide specific feedback to teachers; a model with goals and opportunities to progress forward with instruction and student success."

Education reform bill E2SSB 6696 calls for significant changes in principal and teacher evaluation systems, including the introduction of a four-level evaluation ranking.

Currently Walla Walla Public Schools, as well as most school districts in the state, has only two rankings: satisfactory and unsatisfactory. The new evaluation system for teachers and principals will feature the following rankings: Unsatisfactory, Basic, Proficient and Distinguished. As currently proposed, beginning in the 2013-14 school year, all districts will be required to adopt evaluation systems in alignment with E2SSB 6696.

"The new evaluation model promotes meaningful conversations and it allows teachers to look at what they are doing and create new ideas," Quaresma said. "It's not a gotcha; it's a growth model."

Walla Walla Public Schools received $9000 in grant funding to assist with expenses for training and implementation. The district formed principal and teacher leadership teams to do the research in developing a plan for Walla Walla Public Schools.

Now these leadership teams are tailoring a model, while keeping in line with the state requirements, to meet the needs of our staff and district. Walla Walla Public Schools will begin using the new evaluation model with 20 percent of each school's teaching staff and all new teachers and all principals in the fall of 2012-13 school year.

"The new teacher and principal evaluation model encourages dialogue," Quaresma said. "Principals and teachers are talking together about what is happening in the classroom and how to make learning more meaningful."

New Teacher Evaluation Criteria (per Education reform bill E2SSB 6696)

1. Centering instruction on high expectations for student achievement
2. Demonstrating effective teaching practices
3. Recognizing individual student learning needs and developing strategies to address those needs
4. Providing clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum
5. Fostering and managing a safe, positive learning environment
6. Using multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning
7. Communicating and collaborating with parents and school community
8. Exhibiting collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practice and student learning

Teacher Leadership Team
Tina Brennan, Blue Ridge Elementary
Colleen Chamberlain, Green Park Elementary
Danae Jacky, Sharpstein Elementary
Lynn Junke, Pioneer Middle School
Marci Knauft, Lincoln High School
David Parodi, Prospect Point Elementary
Judy Peasley, Edison Elementary
Margo Piver, Walla Walla High School
Mary Schumacher, Walla Walla High School
Marie Spaulding, Garrison Middle School
Brian Taylor, Walla Walla High School
Ryan Van Dyke, Berney Elementary

Principal Leadership Team
Laure Quaresma, Assistant Superintendent
Liz Campeau, Assistant Personnel Director
Mindy Meyer, Assistant Principal - Walla Walla High School
Jack Mehn, Assistant Principal - Pioneer Middle School
Kim Doepker, Principal - Blue Ridge Elementary

For more information, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins at 509.526.6716 or by email at: mhiggins@wwps.org