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SEATTLE

PUBLIC
SCHOOLS

SPS Taskforce on Assessments and Measuring Progress Session Dates and General Subject Matter for Discuss~on
, February 4, 2013

Sessions (Thursdays, 4-6pm) February 7: Introductory Meeting

Taskforce norms and ground rules :... Taskforce scope of work, calendar, and deliverables Assessments 101

February 21: Role of Assessments in Teaching & Learning

Developing a comprehensive system of assessments Link between assessment and closing tbe achievement gap Next generation Common Core assessments Technology requirements for future assessments New statewide teacher evaluation system

March 7: Review of MAP

MAP strengths and limitations (facilitated discussion) Review results from stakeholder surveys

March 21: Review of MAP

Stakeholder testimony Q&A with MAP test publisher

April 4: Other Assessments

aSPI Benchmarks and DataDirector pilot Exploration of other solutions

April 11:Anticipating the Future

Discuss future approach for SPS Early outline of potential recommendations

April 25: Taskforce Recommendations

Preliminary recommendations

May 2: Taskforce Recommendations

Final recommendations

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5:_3 Performance

Dimensions GROUP

The art and science of human performance

SEATTLE

.j;

PUBLIC
SCHOOLS

Taskforce on Assessments and Measuring Progress

Agenda
3 Room
Purpose: To jointly review the effectiveness of district assessments and testing policies, and explore specific concerns about the MAP test, ultimately providing recommendations to the Superintendent for future improvements.
TIME TOPIC

30 min. 30 min.

Welcome

& Introductions

- Get acquainted and Preview Agenda for today of TF members;

Discuss Team Charter, Scope of Work, and Expectations See Handout: edit if needed and adopt as final.

20 min.

Review Meeting Calendar and Approach for our Work - Discuss SME's, Stakeholder Surveys, and approach so everyone is on the same page. Assessments 101 - Overview Learn and understand some of the key elements to a valid and reliable assessment system. (SME: Shauna Heath and Eric Anderson) Next Steps, Action Items, Key Decisions Confirm standing meeting dates/times for future working sessions Discuss pre-work, reading materials, or other info to be gathered (and by whom) prior to the next session Record action items and key decisions from this meeting to be distributed to the team

30 min.

5-10 min.

Decisions/Action Items from this meeting:

[For discussion at the meeting] Assessment System Needs/Requirements

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

- Our system and recommendations

should include:

OrganizationEffectiveness Consulting
PMB 185 .:. 218 Main Street

Trainingand Development
.:. Kirkland, WA 98033

Teamand Group Facilitation

.:. Phone 425.889.5942

SEATTLE

.;

PUBLIC
SCHOOLS

"Taskforce on Assessments and Measuring Progress" Charter Facilitator/Consultant Seattle Public Schools Lynda Silsbee, CPT, SPHR
Principal Consultant

425.889.5942

Our Taskforce Members Members in Attendance on 2/7/13: Eric Anderson & Clover Codd (TF
sponsors)
J

Lynda@PDGroup.net

Others who may join the group at the next meeting:

Our Commitment/Taskforce Purpose: The task of this team/project is to review the effectiveness of district assessments and testing policies, and explore specific concerns about the MAP test. The Taskforce will develop recommendations to the Superintendent for making future improvements to district assessment practices. In addition, our commitment includes "owning" the final product (recommendations) in such a way that you can/will support, endorse, or advocate for the recommendations at the time they are presented and rolled-out. By forming a joint taskforce and engaging in open dialogue, we will learn and grow as an organization and ultimately work toward a shared approach of assessing learning that best benefits teachers, leaders and ultimately, our students. Taskforce Goals/Deliverables: Engage stakeholders in facilitated discussions to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current MAP assessment tool and related processes. Explore potential alternatives to MAP or changes to MAP processes. Make recommendations to the Superintendent (by May 2,2013) regarding potential changes (which comply with State Mandates) for adoption during either the 2013-14 or 2014-15 school years. Scope of Work and Expectations of Members The scope of work for this taskforce is to understand the role of assessments for teaching and learning and ultimately to make recommendations to Superintendent Jose Banda for future improvements to district-wide assessment. It is outside the scope of work of this taskforce to consider teacher accountability, evaluation, and/or career ladders - which are part of collective bargaining agreements. Below is the list of expectations (or ground rules) involved in this taskforce:

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Taskforce on Assessments and Measuring Progress Charter & Guidelines Draft for Discussion February 7, 2013

Norms
Confidentiality and communication decisions need to be followed. Everyone participates - one person talks at a time. Listen with an open mind - listen first as an advocate for the other person's idea. Everyone has equal status during the meeting session. People don't have to agree BUT- Be clear about what you are committing to - speak up if you can't commit and say why you can't. Do the pre-workjpost-work assigned so the meeting time is productive. Advocate from your own personal experience & POVand listen to other perspectives. Provide guidance regarding organizational and implementation "speed bumps" and recommendations for moving through them. Provide informal communication to others in the organization about the project, the benefits of the project and organizational impacts of the project. Support and Advocacy - mainly of an informal nature (such as communicating about it at association j department meetings, at agreed-up times.) Meetings start and end on time. All ideas and comments are valid - respectful "debate." Meetings will have a clear purpose, outcomes, and agenda. Attend all meetings if at all possible - if you miss a session, support the decision made in your absence. Defer to the facilitator or agenda if the group is stuck - use a parking lot. No hidden agendas - no lectures. Assume positive intent. Agreement to support the final decision of the group - even if it wasn't the one you personally like best. Reemmendations should be based on research and objective d"H an~presented in a fact-based manner. p~rtant work which we take seriously AND tc}'have fun along the way too.

Taskforce Timeline and Oeliverables February 7 & 21 ). assessments. understanding of and closing evaluation system. foundationalcategories. a specific items within everyone identify the recommendations Ensure categories of teacher the achievement new Di~cuss/understand and gap. recommendations.hasthesimilar WA State

(at~ high-level) pilot. th~!i,Fufure; what discuss other MAP. aSPI with Q&A Review DiscussReview & 21 other publisher. Exploration April andstakeholder testimony. of 4, Stakeholder and test 11, the surveys. strengthsMAPand Core DataDirector )'geher~tiohpt~~mmonengagementis25of next )Ua'r~ 7 results from assessments; A~~,ipat!flg Benchmarkslimitations and

solutions. Preliminary Recommendations;

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Taskforce on Assessmentsand Measuring Progress Charter & Guidelines Draft for Discussion February 7,2013 Regular Meeting Schedule, Time & Place Eight taskforce meetings are scheduled on Thursdays from 4-Gpm from February 7 through May 2 (shown on calendars below. ) A couple of additional meetings may be necessary in order to achieve our goals by the required deadline and will be determined as the work progresses. All meetings will be held at the Central Office in Conference Room TBD .

FEBRUARY 2013
M T W T F

MARCH 2013
M
S T W
T
F

s
2

S 2

1
4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 2021 27 28 14 8 15 22

1
4
5 12

3
10 17

9
16 23

10
17 24

6 13
20

8
15 22 29

9
16

11
18 25

19 26

23 30

24 31

4 18 19 5 S S 11 12 25 31 29 26 30 APRIL 2013

F 3 17 10 24

Role and Typical Expectations ()f each role during this Taskforce

Taskforce leads - Assists team in development of charter, and ensures the team accomplishes the goals and objectives in alignment with the organization's values, and ensuring the taskforce goals are attained.

Schedules & attends team meetings. Communicates with team members, stakeholders, team sponsor and other key relationships as to the results the team is achieving. Oversees the entire project to ensure the team's mission is attained. Manages relationships with outsiders, including removing obstacles for the team. Maintains documentation of action items and their completion. Utilizes the skills of the team members as effectively as possible.

Clover Codd, Eric Anderson

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Taskforce on Assessments and Measuring Progress Charter & Guidelines Draft for Discussion February 7, 2013

Project Sponsor & Exec.Sponsor - The Team Sponsor is the person(s) who ultimately decides whether a team is to be created or not, anCithe relative value to the organization's overall work plan for a given time frame.

Does real work along with the team. Asks for a team to be formed. Sets parameters for the purpose of the team and the work they should accomplish. Provides resources (time, money, etc.) for the accomplishment of the work. Checksin with Team Leader to assessprogress and direction. Makes final decision to go/no-go on results created by team. Prepares agendas & facilitates team meetings. Clarifies the group charter Publishes agendas and disseminates information Manages group discussion, team dynamics, and decision-making. Maintains documentation of action items and their completion. Utilizes the skills of the team members as effeFtively as possible. Results of group work cOl)"lmu~IFated~~me~ers, sponsors, and stakeho .....
m

Superintendent Jose Banda, Michael Tully

Facilitator - There may be overlap in this role with the Project Lead and/or it sometimes is the same person filling both roles. Facilitation is the design and management of structures & processes that help a group do its work and minimize the common problems people have working together. The focus is on group dialogue, who needs to be involved, what needs to be accomplished, and maintaining momentum. SME-Subject Matter Expert - A subject matter expert (SME) is a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic. An expert in a particular field who contributes or verifies the accuracy of specific information needed by the project team.

Performance Dimensions Group Lynda Silsbee, Principal Consultant with support from Patrick Olson

Some general project steps are carri~qOyt Mayor may notl?e aijqc;tivemember of the team but is a go-to persQrj>orgrciup for factual informqtion, advice,jflput, or perspective. May inflUence decisions or outcomes but often does NOT have aY9te or say in the final outcome. Sharestheir perspective, opinion, and objective information openly with the team for their edification and discussion. Expresseswhat they think or feel based on their expertise and gives suggestions. Attends team meetings on time and with 'i1ssigned work completed. May collect input/feedback from other stakeholders. Works collaboratively with other team members and staff to accomplish work. Contributes to the overall mission, outcomes, and successmeasures of the team through development of the charter and completion of work.

Eric Anderson Central Office Staff NWEA

aSPI

Team Member - Individuals who have specific tasks that they musl perform in order for the team's work to be accomplished. They m~y provide research, cqOstrltihg,technical and interpersonallilsk wor~Jor any given team. Team members hilye specific knowledge, skills, or abilities that will accomplish specific ta$~sas outlined by the team or team leader.

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