Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/60893
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT New Evaluation and Professional Development, cont. from page 15 Charlotte Danielson's The Framework for Teaching and/or Robert Marzano's Marzano Teacher Evaluation and any other research-based evaluation tools deemed appropriate. The office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is in the process of publishing an evaluation tool to assist districts to meet the timeframe. This researched-based evaluation tool includes a survey as part of the data collection. If a district is unable to meet the deadline with the development of an effective evaluation tool and steps for gathering necessary data, House Bill 2823 (HB 2823) allows school boards to apply for an extension to the timeline. For an extension to be approved, the district must submit a plan with benchmarks for implementation at the start of the 2013-14 school year. The request must include a plan for engaging teachers and other stakeholders, and a plan to determine how evaluations will guide professional development. In its current form, HB 2823 establishes four performance categories for teachers, highly effective, effective, developing, and ineffective in order to streamline teacher classifications across the state. General guidelines will be set by the State Board of Education, but it is the responsibility of the local school district to house and senate education coMMittee "I am really proud of the evaluation instrument the district committee put together. I believe it supports the professionalism of teaching." further define the classifications. HB 2823 states that professional development will be offered to those in the developing or ineffective criteria. Through the work of AEA staff, officers, and members, the focus of this bill shifted from punishment to teacher development and support. AEA has meticulously — Cheryl Redfield, Gilbert EA worked to establish professional development programs for educators. Last year, nearly 100 National Board Certified Teachers responded with interest to the developing AEA Priority Learning Training Network. A core group of educators invested time and talent to become trainers and to create professional development sessions aimed at elevating teaching practices, student learning, and supporting schools in improvement both at the site and district level. The AEA Priority Learning Training Network currently offers seven sessions for on-site school district professional development. The training fee supports the overall strategic objective of impacting school improvement and teacher development. In January, National Board Certified in southeastern Arizona gathered in Tucson to initiate a network connection in the region. Great classroom teaching and effective legislators hear testiMony froM aea MeMBer Rae Ann Rumery, Cartwright Education Association and National Board Certified Teacher, testified in February, 2012, on the Teacher Evaluation Framework. school leadership are the foundation for learning. Professional Development is the path to personal excellence, student success, and school performance. With the evaluation process to guide professional development, Priority Learning trainings are designed to bridge teacher performance and student achievement. If you are interested in bringing professional development to your district, contact the AEA Quality Teaching and Learning program at 602- 264-1774 x115 or lisa.guzman@arizonaea.org. AEA works in conjunction with the AEA Foundation for Quality Teaching and Learning and the National Education Association to bring support and training resources to members. ✒ 16 Summer 2012 ❘ AEA Advocate