Kim Walters

The Academy focuses on a high rate of interrater reliability using the required performance evaluation ratings. Using case studies, the participants will collect evidence and use the Illinois Standards for Principal Evaluation to rate the principals. Participants will use data collected from the case studies and compare the data to best practices for evaluating principals and assistant principals. This data will also be analyzed to prepare administrative and school-level professional development plans. Participants will prepare targeted professional development, in a…

This two-day Academy is designed for individuals who are seeking the Initial Training Qualification for Teacher Evaluation. All new teacher evaluators in Illinois will need to pass AA #2001 on the topic of Initial Teacher Evaluation training. This training replaces the existing initial teacher evaluation training provided through Growth Through Learning CEC & TeachScape and aligns to the competencies for Part 50, Section 50.420 (a-b). **Day 2 includes the training assessment which may extend past the 3:30 session end time.…

This is the one required student growth retraining course for teacher and administrator evaluators who are renewing their designations required to evaluate educators. Participants will learn how to: 1. Use assessments and measurement models identified by the joint committee in determining the student growth attributable to individual teachers/principals and understand how different types of assessments are used for measuring growth; 2. Use data from the evaluation rubric, other evidence collected, and best practices relative to evaluating student growth to link…

This course is designed for administrators and teacher leaders and will provide strategic ways to advance educational equity in their respective districts. The course will address practical considerations when systemically shifting and embedding a focus on equity. Participants will be able to reflect on their professional responsibilities toward the organizational commitment of equity and serving all students, especially marginalized populations. This course aligns and supports Illinois Performance Standards for School Leaders, Standard V: Leading with Integrity and Professionalism.

This course takes proven ideas from research and weaves them into practical applications that guide administrators when communicating difficult messages to staff regarding their performance. Participants will learn how to proactively develop an essential foundation of trust, respect, and confidentiality in their buildings. Strategic research and tools will be presented to help administrators predict and deal with others' difficult behavior, especially when they are under stress. Multiple opportunities will be provided to practice using listening and questioning strategies when confronting…