June 2023

Dear Educators,

It’s hard to believe that the end of the 2022-2023 school year has arrived. This month, administrators are conducting spring conferences and educators are finalizing student improvement data. DTGSS credentialing training for administrators is well underway with winter and spring cohorts completed. Summer cohorts will begin at the end of June. If you have not registered, there is still time. Register in PDMS for course #30359.

In this newsletter, we have a few items to share.

- Spotlight on Educators

- DTGSS Teacher Training Plans

- DTGSS Credentialing Information

- Educator Resources

Please encourage your colleagues to subscribe to the ACCESS newsletter, so they too can have access to information and resources for evaluations. Share this link to sign up for the subscription.

Thank you!

This month we celebrate three DTGSS pilot district leaders who have embraced the new framework and have taken the initiative to further their own learning and professional development. These leaders understand the importance and necessity of a shared commitment to successful outcomes for each teacher and learner. Through collaboration and partnership, they make a commitment to assure and ensure high-quality teaching and learning, and they have been instrumental in supporting the DDOE in gathering feedback and data about the DTGSS pilot. We are very grateful for their leadership and partnership!

Norman Kennedy

Director of Teaching

and Learning, Elementary

Christina School District

As a member of the Principal Peer Support Group, Norman volunteers his time to connect with other leaders across the state to answer questions about DTGSS and to share his expertise with implementation. As a DTGSS lead, Norman has organized DTGSS site visits, participated in a deep dive professional learning on the indicators, and led one of the breakout groups during a monthly evaluation lead meeting. These are just a few of the highlights of Norman’s commitment to CSD and the DDOE.

Delethia McIntire

Director of Human Resources

Brandywine School District

As a DTGSS lead, Delethia organizes monthly calibration sessions with BSD administrators and the DDOE. Engaging in calibration activities can help evaluators and educators norm their expectations and ensure that all educators experience a meaningful evaluation experience. As a DTGSS lead, Delethia has participated in a statewide panel discussion in which she shared her experience and expertise with DTGSS implementation. Delethia is always willing to support and commit to collaboration with the DDOE and other districts and charters.

Amanda Archambault

Supervisor of Elementary Education

Cape Henlopen School District

As a DTGSS lead, Amanda organizes and participates in professional learning with Cape administrators who are piloting DTGSS. She is committed to engaging with building leaders so she can learn and offer as much support as she can. Amanda joins the educator evaluation lead meetings to share her experience with DTGSS and provide support to those who will be implementing. Amanda is always willing to collaborate and partner with the DDOE to ensure quality professional learning and clear communication to all.

Overview of DTGSS Teacher Training

The primary outcomes of the Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System (DTGSS) are to:

1. Provide teachers feedback based on a shared belief in what has the greatest impact on student learning, and in what has the highest likelihood to lead to student success.

2. Support teachers with a continuous cycle of professional growth based on feedback and a shared belief.

3. Improve teacher performance to ensure that each student has an effective teacher.

DTGSS Teacher Training Modules

Four DTGSS Teacher Training Modules are available to provide teachers with information and guidance on the implementation of the new framework for teacher evaluation in schools across Delaware. The modules provide facilitators with consistent, standardized materials and content, detailed facilitator guides, and participant handouts.

DTGSS Teacher Training Modules are available here.

Structure

Districts, charters and schools are responsible for developing plans for training all teachers in DTGSS. Each will determine the best training structures and format based on their needs. This resource will help guide decisions around DTGSS Teacher Training, establishing a format and training structure that works best for each district, charter and school: Guiding Questions

Audience

The DTGSS Teacher Training Modules will be presented to teachers by facilitators in their respective districts, charters and schools. Facilitators can determine whether to bring educators together for a schoolwide or districtwide training session or provide training to smaller, grade-level or content-area teams. The DTGSS Teacher Training Modules are designed specifically for classroom teachers and any teacher who works with students.

Outcomes

The DTGSS Teacher Training Modules are designed to:

- Make the DTGSS process meaningful, doable, concrete, and actionable for teachers.

- Support teachers in developing a common understanding of the Delaware Teacher Classroom (DTC) Framework and the opportunities for professional growth and development based on observable and ongoing feedback.

- Provide participants with tips, strategies, and resources for implementation of DTGSS to include Professional Growth Plans, Observation Feedback, and Claim, Evidence, and Impact (CEI)

Understanding the DTC Framework (Google Slides): What are the ‘look fors’ for each Indicator?

DTGSS vs. DPAS II: How does DTGSS compare to DPAS II?

DTGSS Preparation: What can administrators and teachers do now to prepare for implementation?