The School Board of Broward County, Florida
Created : May 10, 2014 at 10:42 PM
Meeting: Regular School Board Meeting :  II. Office of the Superintendent  
II-1. Agreement with Learning Sciences International (LSI), LLC for Professional Learning to Use the iObservation Fidelity Module (D)  
April 15, 2014
Status: 
Open Agenda
 
 

Quick Summary / Abstract
Approval of Agreement between SBBC and LSI for: 1) Four days of professional learning for Observer Cadre, and 2) Virtual training for ten individuals (session managers) to use the iObservation Fidelity Module and administer assessments to new and practicing observers for calibration and credentialing.

1) Professional Learning for BrIDGES Observer Cadre (TOP)
A critical foundational factor in determining validity and reliability of evidence collected using the Marzano model is the level of expertise the observer exhibits in using the evaluation instrument. If those being observed view this level of expertise as high, then the confidence level of those being observed will be high with respect to the results of their observation. The Office of Talent Development identified 50 administrators to be part of the Broward's Instructional Development and Growth Evaluation system (BrIDGES) Observer Cadre?Transforming Observational Practice (TOP). This Observer Cadre of Principals and Assistant Principals was selected from qualified applicants to deepen their knowledge of the Marzano Instructional Practice Framework and build the capacity of Marzano expert observers in our District. Beginning in the summer of 2014, it is expected that this Cadre provide professional learning, and coaching and support, to other administrators, to deepen their knowledge of the Marzano Instructional Practice Framework used in BrIDGES?Teacher Evaluation System. This professional learning will build upon the coursework already completed by the Cadre members to prepare them to meet expectations.

2) Virtual Training to Use the Fidelity Module
This training prepares ten select individuals to serve as session managers of the Fidelity Module; to lead calibration and assessment activities for observers and to proctor the assessment exercises for credentialing observers.

Description of Fidelity Module
The Fidelity Modules provides licenses for the district to provide ongoing calibration activities for observers (administrators). This module contains master scored video to conduct these exercises and will assist in sustaining the observer credentialing process.  This module also includes ongoing updates and enhancements to the calibration and assessment exercises.

Background Information: BrIDGES Observer Cadre Professional Development
Developing the expertise of a Cadre of Principal and Assistant Principal Observers involves observers that successfully completed the professional learning listed below:
- Leaders of Learning Domain 1
- Supervision
- Leaders of Learning Domains 2-4
- iObservation technical training
- Inter-rater Reliability and Assessment
(Successful scores on both the content and observation segments of the on-line assessment)

The Observer Cadre was then selected from qualified applicants to build the capacity of Marzano Expert Observers in our District.
 
Additional professional learning for Observer Cadre participants included:
Three Side-By-Side Coaching sessions ? An expert Marzano consultant facilitates a team of cadre members (5-6) in the classroom observation process at participant school sites. The Marzano consultant and cadre team share observation data for validity and reliability, and learn ways to provide specific, meaningful feedback to teachers. The Side By Side Coaching focuses on the following observer competencies: 1) Identifying the dominant elements in a lesson, 2) Providing a rating for each element observed, 3) Developing feedback strategies for appropriate elements, and 4) Building and deepening a common language of instruction.

The Disciplined Leader ? Two sessions delivered by the Leadership and Learning Center (LLC) focus on assisting observers in managing time to conduct effective observations, and structuring operations to maximize staff strengths and improve student learning.  Goals include finding time to engage in effective observation and professional conversation, which is a critical component of the Marzano evaluation system.

Additional required days of targeted professional learning sessions to deepen knowledge includes: Supervision and Feedback, Creating and Understanding Unit Design, Marzano Deliberate Practice, and Observation for State Standards.

Upon completion of the professional learning components, Observer Cadre members are expected to utilize the skills attained to conduct side-by-side coaching sessions with identified peer administrators, provide on-going professional support for newly appointed administrators, and plan and facilitate BrIDGES evaluation and feedback update sessions at Cadre, Sub-Cadre and Assistant Principal meetings.

This BrIDGES Observer Cadre will engage in the additional professional learning identified in this Agreement.

This Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form and legal content by the Office of the General Counsel.

There is no financial impact to the general fund. The Agreement in the amount of $26,990.00 will be paid from RTTT Funds.


Requested Action
Approval of Agreement between SBBC and LSI for: 1) Four days of professional learning for Observer Cadre, and 2) Virtual training for ten individuals (session managers) to use the iObservation Fidelity Module and administer assessments to new and practicing observers for calibration and credentialing.


Summary
1) Professional Learning for BrIDGES Observer Cadre (TOP)
A critical foundational factor in determining validity and reliability of evidence collected using the Marzano model is the level of expertise the observer exhibits in using the evaluation instrument. If those being observed view this level of expertise as high, then the confidence level of those being observed will be high with respect to the results of their observation. The Office of Talent Development identified 50 administrators to be part of the Broward?s Instructional Development and Growth Evaluation system (BrIDGES) Observer Cadre?Transforming Observational Practice (TOP). This Observer Cadre of Principals and Assistant Principals was selected from qualified applicants to deepen their knowledge of the Marzano Instructional Practice Framework and build the capacity of Marzano expert observers in our District. Beginning in the summer of 2014, it is expected that this Cadre provide professional learning, and coaching and support, to other administrators, to deepen their knowledge of the Marzano Instructional Practice Framework used in BrIDGES?Teacher Evaluation System. This professional learning will build upon the coursework already completed by the Cadre members to prepare them to meet expectations.

2) Virtual Training to Use the Fidelity Module
This training prepares ten select individuals to serve as session managers of the Fidelity Module; to lead calibration and assessment activities for observers and to proctor the assessment exercises for credentialing observers.

Description of Fidelity Module
The Fidelity Modules provides licenses for the district to provide ongoing calibration activities for observers (administrators). This module contains master scored video to conduct these exercises and will assist in sustaining the observer credentialing process.  This module also includes ongoing updates and enhancements to the calibration and assessment exercises.

Background Information: BrIDGES Observer Cadre Professional Development
Developing the expertise of a Cadre of Principal and Assistant Principal Observers involves observers that successfully completed the professional learning listed below:
- Leaders of Learning Domain 1
- Supervision
- Leaders of Learning Domains 2-4
- iObservation technical training
- Inter-rater Reliability and Assessment
(Successful scores on both the content and observation segments of the on-line assessment)

The Observer Cadre was then selected from qualified applicants to build the capacity of Marzano Expert Observers in our District.
 
Additional professional learning for Observer Cadre participants included:
Three Side-By-Side Coaching sessions ? An expert Marzano consultant facilitates a team of cadre members (5-6) in the classroom observation process at participant school sites. The Marzano consultant and cadre team share observation data for validity and reliability, and learn ways to provide specific, meaningful feedback to teachers. The Side By Side Coaching focuses on the following observer competencies: 1) Identifying the dominant elements in a lesson, 2) Providing a rating for each element observed, 3) Developing feedback strategies for appropriate elements, and 4) Building and deepening a common language of instruction.

The Disciplined Leader ? Two sessions delivered by the Leadership and Learning Center (LLC) focus on assisting observers in managing time to conduct effective observations, and structuring operations to maximize staff strengths and improve student learning.  Goals include finding time to engage in effective observation and professional conversation, which is a critical component of the Marzano evaluation system.

Additional required days of targeted professional learning sessions to deepen knowledge includes: Supervision and Feedback, Creating and Understanding Unit Design, Marzano Deliberate Practice, and Observation for State Standards.

Upon completion of the professional learning components, Observer Cadre members are expected to utilize the skills attained to conduct side-by-side coaching sessions with identified peer administrators, provide on-going professional support for newly appointed administrators, and plan and facilitate BrIDGES evaluation and feedback update sessions at Cadre, Sub-Cadre and Assistant Principal meetings.

This BrIDGES Observer Cadre will engage in the additional professional learning identified in this Agreement.

This Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form and legal content by the Office of the General Counsel.



School Board Goals
Goal 1: High Quality Instruction
Goal 2: Continuous Improvement


Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the general fund. The Agreement in the amount of $26,990.00 will be
paid from RTTT Funds.


Source of Additional Information
Elisa Calabrese 754 321-5044



Associated File Attachments
LSILLCProfessionalLearningAgreement (Files)  
ExecutedCompleteCopy (Files)