Dearborn Public Schools
The Dearborn administrators are using the Danielson Teachscape Training Software for Teacher Evaluation Training. I have been leading this training process. In December we addressed Bias and in January we are focusing on standards and elements related to the Classroom Environment. Listed below is a link to the course syllabus.
CEO software Upgrade and the Creation of Electronic Personnel Files
We are in the process of eliminating paper personnel files in the HR department. This process started in October of 2012 and it will take 1-2 years for the full conversion. By moving to an electronic system we are able to create additional efficiencies and cost savings. There is an enormous amount of paper that needs to be filed in alignment with the new legislation on evaluations. The reduction of the amount of paper used in HR will reduce budget costs and is aligned with our Green School District Goals. In addition, the software has an off-site backup mechanism. If there were ever to be a fire in Human Resources we do not have an off-site backup with our paper files.
Here is the link to the presentation that was provided by Andy Denison and Glenn Maleyko on November 26th, 2012 regarding Administrator Evalutions in Dearborn. All evaluation documents are also on the district website.
You can also view the taped presentation at the district website. https://dearbornschools.org/district/board/board-meeting-videos
Teachscape On-Line Professional Development Training Module.
The state of Michigan requires that all administrators are trained in Teacher Evaluations per the legislation that was passed in the summer of 2011. With the support of the Superintendent, I have been providing training to administrators on a monthly basis during the General Administrators meeting since September of 2011. However, there is a need for additional intensive training in order to further enhance our system for implementing fair and consistent evaluations throughout the district.
As a result, we have purchased a subscription to use the Teachscape Framework for Teaching Proficiency System. The system is a complete solution for observer training and assessment. Developed in partnership with ETS and Charlotte Danielson. The Framework for Teaching Proficiency System enables districts and states to promote high-quality observations by implementing rigorous training for all observers. All Dearborn administrators that have responsibility to complete teacher evaluations will go through this rigorous training process. The process involves over 26 hours of training plus a 4 hour final examination in order to achieve proficiency as measured by the Danielson evaluation model. Additional information on the Teachscape Training module can be found at the following site: https://www.teachscape.com/products/danielson-proficiency-system
Funding for Teachscape
The state of Michigan is providing funding to cover the cost of training for administrators. They are willing to reimburse one principal per building with the possibility of receiving funding for the assistant principal as well (pending the number of grant requests across the state). However, we have a need in our district to train all administrators that evaluate teachers as this is a critical function of their job. Thus we are purchasing this software for all administrators that evaluate teachers regardless of the grant funding. We anticipate that we will receive a reimbursement from the state somewhere in the area of $12,000 to $18,000 (The overall cost of this software is approximately $24,000). The cost of this software is $399 per administrator. However, since there was bid from WCRESA we are getting a lower price of $350 per administrator plus a 5% support fee.
Here is the link to the federal program for teacher loan forgiveness and teacher loan cancellation: https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/teacher
The kick off for the use of the Danielson Teachscape Training module for administrators in Dearborn occurred on November 1st, 2012. Please click on the link to view the presentations by Glenn Maleyko and John McKelvey. A link to the Teachscape site is also provided. https://blog.dearbornschools.org/humanresources/hr-news
With the support of a state level grant, we are bringing the Charlotte Danielson Teachscape Teacher Evaluation Training to Dearborn Public Schools. All Dearborn Administrators will participate in a high quality training module with the expectation of specific certification on Teacher Evaluations by the end of the training module. The MCEE committee had previously given the Danielson model the highest validity and reliability rating of the 4 models that they are currently piloting at the state level. Here is a link to the Teachscape Training Module. https://www.teachscape.com/products/danielson-proficiency-system
This post should help to answer questions that we are receiving regarding the professional development requirements for new teachers. This information is taken directly from the MDE website. New teachers should pay attention to section 1526 of the legislation. https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_5683_5703-36963–,00.html
Here is a link to a sheet telling you what qualifies for PD for new teachers under section 1526, it also gives information regarding what qualifies for PD for all teachers under section 1527(All teachers receive this district level PD). https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_5683_5703—,00.html
Michigan Requirements for Professional Development
There are two references in the Michigan School Code that specify requirements for the professional development of teachers. They are Sections 1526 and 1527:
Section 1526 states: “For the first 3 years of his or her employment in classroom teaching, a teacher shall be assigned by the school in which he or she teaches to 1 or more master teachers, or college professors or retired master teachers, who shall act as a mentor or mentors to the teacher. During the 3-year period, the teacher shall also receive intensive professional development induction into teaching, based on a professional development plan that is consistent with the requirements of Section 3a of article II of Act No. 4 of the Public Acts of the Extra Session of 1937, being Section 38.83a of the Michigan Compiled Laws, including classroom management and instructional delivery. During the 3 year period, the intensive professional development induction into teaching shall consist of at least 15 days of professional development, the experiencing of effective practices in university-linked professional development schools, and regional seminars conducted by master teachers and other mentors.”
Section 1527 states: “The board of each school district, intermediate school district, or public school academy shall provide:
at least 1 day of teacher professional development in the 1997-98 school year,
at least 2 days of teacher professional development in the 1998-99 school year,
at least 3 days of teacher professional development in the 1999-2000 school year,
at least 4 days of teacher professional development in the 2000-2001 school year,
at least 5 days of teacher professional development in the 2001-2002 school year, and each school year after the 2001-2002 school year. Professional development days provided under this Section shall not be counted toward the professional development required under Section 1526.”