Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-2802 has moved the state a critical step toward more effective instruction and leadership through the Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS). Using Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, Arkansas developed a more in-depth process for measuring performance.
The Arkansas Department of Education hosted public meetings during the 2011-2012 school year and conducted surveys to elicit input in the rulemaking process. Using both feedback from those public meetings, and survey results, Rules were drafted. In March, The State Board of Education released those Rules for public comment (see Pending Rules at http://arkansased.org/about/rules/pending.html).
The rules require training of all evaluators (administrators). This training will begin in January, 2013, with a one-day workshop at the regional education service centers. By August 31, 2013, evaluators will be required to complete approximately 30 hours of online professional development culminating with a certification test.
Training for teachers will begin June 1, 2013, with a half day workshop offered at the regional education service centers. By August 31, 2013, teachers will be required to complete approximately 18 hours of online training for professional development for the 2013-2014 school year.
Administrators will be trained on the principal evaluation system during the summer of 2013. This training will be delivered face-to-face at the regional education service centers and will likely take two days.
District and school personnel are encouraged to review the rules for TESS. It is important to begin conversations about appropriate, multiple measures and artifacts to be used in the evaluation system.
Attached are two timelines for the teacher and principal evaluation systems.
Please direct all questions to Assistant Commissioner Dr. Karen Cushman, at karen.cushman@arkansas.gov or 501-683-4095.