Grades K – 6 come to the library as a “special”. Grades 7, 8, 9 came through the courtesy of the Social Studies Department. I work consistently with the Social Studies Department. I had to select a department
that saw all freshmen students. You could do it through English or Science, but I felt that they already support online testing for SRI.
I don’t mind the questions…
Testing and analyzing the district data was challenging but I felt the end results were worth it.
I have attached a comment from one of my media specialists. “I have attached a sampling of my scores from various teachers/classes. I tested the entire student population and every single class improved in the “Develop Topic” which is
good. Some classes showed a slight decline in the “Evaluating Sources” which was odd, but it will be my focus next year. Overall, I was very pleased with the results.”
From: Deborah Sharpe [mailto:DSharpe@woodstockacademy.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:52 AM
To: Tichy, Joan
Subject: RE: Teacher Evaluation, TRAILS and 21st Century Learning
Thanks…do these students come to the library each week for a “special”?
Sorry to bombard you with questions….
This year we tested grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (all 7, 8, freshman social studies classes).
From: Deborah Sharpe [mailto:DSharpe@woodstockacademy.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:47 AM
To: Tichy, Joan
Subject: RE: Teacher Evaluation, TRAILS and 21st Century Learning
Just out of curiosity, which grades do you work with?
We also use TRAILS district wide. I must admit that last year it felt like an ambitious goal to test as many students as we did. In the fall our district pre- tested approximately 1,800 students. I put all
of the data into a spreadsheet and analyzed it by district, school, and grade and student. Then I created a report and distributed it to all of the administrators and Central Office. Our administration took the data very seriously. The TRAILS assessment
gives valuable data for district wide changes and alignment with the AASL Standards and the Common Core. The advent of the new teacher evaluation also pushes 21st Century Learning come to the forefront. We need to embrace instruction, common
curriculum and common assessments in this area or we will find it difficult to survive in the competitive environment. Student learning is key and demonstrating progress is also key.
I totally agree. Student learning is key. You gave some good examples, Susan!
Mary Ellen Minichiello
CASL President
My district is already using teacher evaluations... I would steer away from circulation statistics and veer towards goals related to student learning. It is important to highlight what you teach (even if it is
through project based learning). This year my goals were:
TRAILS assessment for identifying information sources for 8th grade (I used their 9th grade assessment).
Kindergarten identifying the difference between informational text and literature (this was collaborative with grade level teachers) and I created the assessment.
OPAC book reviews for 4th grade (collaborative with classroom teachers and scaffolded with mini-lessons on the library end).
In the past I have used use of OPAC (which I created an assessment); evaluation of websites; targeted circ increases (I.e. 8th grade); development of collaborative research projects with several grade levels; citation
and bibliography...
It takes a little time to create your own assessments ... But it is worth it. Definitely check out Kent State's TRAILS assessments.
Hello everyone,
I am looking for ideas for data collection for the upcoming new teacher evaluation. Since I do not teach at all, the options are limited. Is anyone planning on using anything other than circulation statistics
for data? If you have any good ideas, I would appreciate if you could send them my way.
Thanks so much!!
Deb Sharpe
Woodstock Academy
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