CTESS ebook

Teacher Resources and Support

In every teacher evaluation system, the core purpose and outcome should be to assist teachers in strengthening their classroom practices in order to promote student growth. A comprehensive system that includes specific and actionable feedback has been shown to increase teacher satisfaction and retention (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2013). Additionally, the system must provide targeted support and assistance for teachers in the form of instructional coaching and professional growth opportunities (Joyce & Showers, 2002). The purpose of teacher evaluation is to promote professional growth and development that leads to instructional improvement and greater success for students, not to create anxiety and concerns about job security among educators. Every district, including CSD, must invest heavily in retention of its effective teachers. Canyons Teacher Support Academy The Canyons Teacher Support Academy (CTSA) is designed to teach new teachers about the Canyons Teacher Effectiveness Support System (CTESS) and assist them in being successful with the CTESS process. All newly hired teachers must complete all four classes. The four classes are: • CTESS Overview and Observations using the IPOP • Effective Planning and Instruction with Critical Elements of Lesson Planning • Preparing Learning and Teaching Evidence • Analyzing Classroom Data and the PLC Process Dashboard The CTESS Dashboard has been designed to help and support teachers as they navigate through the Canyons Teacher Effectiveness Support System. At the “Login,” type in your e -mail username and password. This will take you to your MyCTESS page. Remediation Process As suggested by its name, CTESS is a support system for teachers. There may be times when, after an unsatisfactory evaluation, a teacher’s practice will require additional help and support to reach a satisfactory rating. If this happens, a plan is developed with the district’s Supervisors Assistance Team (SAT) in the Human Resources department to support the teacher’s professional practice. Remediation for Provisional Teachers If a provisional teacher receives an Instructional Quality Rating of Not Effective, the teacher will receive supports, a memo of concern with identified assistance, and be notified that employment is in question. If, after the next evaluation cycle, the teacher’s rating is Emerging Effective, Effective, or Highly Effective, the teacher proceeds to the next CTESS cycle. If the rating is Not Effective, the teacher will be notified that employment is in question. Credit is given for each class that is completed. A stipend of up to $200 can be earned upon completion of all four classes or $50 per class completed.

NOTE: All provisional teachers are expected to achieve a CTESS rating of at least Effective by the end of their third year; otherwise, their employment is in question.

Remediation for Career Teachers If the teach er’s Instructional Quality Rating is Not Effective or Minimally Effective in Career 3, the teacher will receive a plan of assistance (not to exceed 120 school days) and be notified that employment is in question. The career teacher then repeats all the CTESS requirements for Career 3 for the next evaluation cycle.

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