Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s)

Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s)

Survey Responses

District Micro-decisions for SLOs

2012-2013 Sample SLO Calendar

Building –wide SLOs SLOGuidance

On what aspect of SLO's would you like more information/training?

How to handle special education classes with very low functioning students who are non-verbal and do not read at all. As I work with districts to create SLO's the most challenging is to create SLO for teachers who are not teaching core subjects i.e. special education teachers, ESL teachers, music teachers, physical education teachers. I think the entire SLO process is a waste of time and is merely something that politicians can hang their hat on. There are too many people in Albany playing high stakes games at the students' expense. The pre and post test development is a farce, the security aspect of it is laughable and the value given to the whole process is shameful. I'm embarassed to be a part of this. Comparable Rigor Pre assessments used by districts/boces? How can we organize to eliminate them Frequently asked questions that are common across districts Writing Rubrics Building level SLO's would be great! How SLO results will be presented to the media. I'm good. We have ours done and are moving forward with a plan in our district. The different interpretations of how to do all of this just gets too damn confusing.

Problem-Solving Potential Obstacles Activity: • List the challenges you foresee in the following SLO phases: • SLO Preparation • SLO Development • SLO Implementation • SLO Results Analysis

System Impacts • Given the reach of SLOs into many areas of an educational system, areas of need will be revealed to improve the system • We will point out some of the common areas SLOs tend to impact and provide suggestions on addressing these areas

System Impacts • District Implementation Capacity • District central office staff need to be trained in and aware of the SLO processes and construct • Regular integration of SLO processes is key; keep it on the radar and monitor implementation • Develop an ongoing Steering Committee, comprised of key district decision-makers (e.g., HR, professional development, finance, assessment) • Consider allocating staff for overseeing the process, or deeply training key staff such as content experts and supervisors of principals

System Impacts • Supervision of Schools • Successful implementation at the school level is essential to successful district implementation • Principals will need support in both the content and processes of SLOs • Foresight and planning is vital, as often schools do not know what they do not know • Embed SLO monitoring within existing supervision structures • Ensure school requests for assistance are responded to in a timely manner

System Impacts • Communication • “Message times 1,000.” – CTAC • “The forces of misinformation are greater than the forces of accurate information.” – CTAC • As the year progresses, requests will be made for training information and communications • Develop a constituency-building plan for various stakeholders including how to archive records • Be sure to communicate frequently via multiple methods (e.g., websites, webinars, emails)

System Impacts • Content Expertise • Teachers, schools, and districts will need assistance in unpacking and prioritizing standards • Specific pedagogies and professional development will be needed to increase capacity • Consider having experts deliver segments of SLO training and support sessions • Ensure teachers of all areas are supported • Use national content organizations where applicable

System Impacts • Assessment • Capacity for granular data reporting may be challenged, with some courses having limited or no course data sources available • Overemphasis on assessment will minimize impact of the SLO process • Enlist district and/or BOCES staff to develop assessments and improve data reporting capabilities • Establish regular reviews of alignment and quality of assessment items to stay current • Keep learning content front-and-center

System Impacts • Human Resources • Questions about evaluation, regardless of communication efforts, will exist • Addressing issues of ethics and compliance will be required of HR staff • Ensure that HR staff are deeply familiar with the SLO process – from preparation to results analysis • Meet regularly with HR staff to monitor implementation quality (remember the Steering Committee recommendation)

System Impacts • Finance • While many needs will likely surface to improve implementation, prioritization of financial resources will remain important • It may not be possible to enact all aspects of a district’s preferred implementation the 1st year • Bear in mind the interconnectedness of SLOs – expenses for SLO implementation will benefit the system overall • Involve key stakeholders and decision-makers in projecting the costs of supporting implementation

System Impacts • Technology • Methods of submitting, approving, and evaluating SLOs are greatly expedited with technological platforms • Data systems needed for SLOs may not exist, or may not be compatible with other district data systems • Plan ahead by gathering stakeholders to discuss potential new developments and integrations

System Impacts • Activity: • In light of the issues raised, discuss how you will formulate (or advise) at the district level for supporting successful implementation. • Potential options for capturing discussion: • Use/generate an organizational chart to map how systems will interact with the SLO processes. • List department and/or individual responsibilities for SLO processes. • Craft strategies by topic listed in the previous slides.

Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s)