August 2015

SB 706 Updates TLE Process

On July 1, 2015 Senate Bill 706 went into effect, amending a variety of provisions related to the TLE evaluation system.  As written in SB 706, the revisions are designed to produce a system that promotes reflection and professional growth for teachers and leaders.

For the purposes of beginning a new school year, it should be noted that OAMs are no longer required.  Other notable changes include:

• It is no longer required that both the qualitative and quantitative components make up 50% of the evaluation.  Instead each teacher and administrator will receive both a qualitative and quantitative rating.
• Local school district boards of education can choose from a list of research-based options approved by the State Board of Education for quantitative evaluation methods for teachers of non-tested grades and subjects.  For those teachers who have at least one tested grade or subject can have up to 50% of their quantitative rating based on methods chosen from the list.
• For the 2015-2016 school year, school districts have the option of basing their evaluations solely on qualitative components.  Roster Verification data must still be collected, but will not impact this year's evaluation.
• Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, school districts are to fully incorporate both the qualitative and quantitative components of the TLE for evaluations at all school sites.  
• Full implementation of TLE evaluations for the purposes of employment decisions will begin in the 2017-2018 school year

More information regarding SB 706 will follow in future newsletters.  You can access a copy of the bill here.

Resources at Your Fingertips

Any great educator knows the value of easily-accessible resources.  Whether your district is using the Marzano framework or the Tulsa Model, online resources are available to help you better understand each component as well as supportive materials to make the process easier.  Some of the most beneficial on-line resources include:

·         http://www.ok.gov/sde/tle

o   The Teacher and Leader Effectiveness website is the most comprehensive source for information related specifically to the frameworks used in Oklahoma.  Presentations, newsletters, resources, and training information can all be found in one area.

·         http://portal.battelleforkids.org/TulsaModel

o   Administrators who successfully complete their initial training will receive access to this site.  Videos focusing on indicators and best teaching practices as well as training materials and FAQs are also available.

·         http://www.iobservation.com/Marzano-Suite/Library/

o   Available to teachers and administrators, this online library of professional development resources connects the Marzano evaluation framework to other research-based information.

TLE has a New Executive Director

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Dr. Jason Perez has joined the SDE staff as the new Executive Director of TLE.  Dr. Perez originates from Moore, Oklahoma where he served as an elementary principal for 11 years.  Along with his experience in public schools, Dr. Perez has taught Master-level courses for University of Central Oklahoma, Concordia University, and St. Thomas University.  He is a regular contributor to the Hot Chalk Education Network and his wife is a junior high teacher in Moore.

We Want to Hear from You

The Office of Educator Effectiveness is actively soliciting feedback to improve our evaluation system.  The State Department of Education serves all educators and values ideas and suggestions geared toward improving learning and strengthening teachers.  If you have any questions/suggestions regarding teacher evaluation or would like to schedule a training, you can reach Dr. Perez at Jason.Perez@sde.ok.gov or Ginger DiFalco at Ginger.Difalco@sde.ok.gov