New Jersey Department of Education approves LRHSD evaluation system
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recently approved the Lenape Regional High School District’s (LRHSD) Teaching Practice Evaluation Instrument “as part of the state’s plan to implement annual professional performance reviews of classroom teachers.”
Every New Jersey public school district is required to implement state-approved teacher and principal evaluation systems by the 2013–2014 school year.
According LRHSD Superintendent of Schools, Carol L. Birnbohm, Ed. D., a team of educators representing all of the district’s schools completed the NJDOE’s rigorous Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the evaluation instrument application. “We were gratified to be notified shortly before winter break that Lenape’s evaluation tool was placed on the state’s list of Approved Teaching Practice Evaluation Instruments, which reinforces our commitment to our ‘home grown’ model,” said Birnbohm.
In addition, the LRHSD realizes substantial cost savings by implementing its own evaluation instrument versus contracting with an outside firm. Purchasing a complete model can total at least $70,000 per year for a large district such as Lenape. The Research for Better Teaching Inc. (RBT) model has been the foundation of LRHSD’s professional development model for 16 years. In the LRHSD, RBT has been used as a solid base to aid and develop educators, promote collegiality, develop leadership skills for strong school and district culture, and build in-house professional development in all LRHSD schools in order to ensure skillful teaching.
“Having high expectations for professional growth is the backbone for success in the classroom,” said Birnbohm.
When the NJDOE announced plans early in 2012 to require school districts to implement state-approved evaluation instruments, the LRHSD formed the District Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC) to analyze its RBT-based teacher evaluation instrument to be sure it was aligned with the state’s requirements.
Birnbohm credits the members of the DEAC, who worked together for nearly a year, for spearheading the district’s successful RFQ application. “This truly was a district-wide effort that engaged administrators and teaching staff representing the Education Association. It was representative of the teamwork that defines the Lenape District and reinforcesour focus on professional excellence and the success and well-being of every student,” Birnbohm said.
LRHSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction Heather Xenakis, who chaired the DEAC and coordinated the RFQ application process, is unequivocally dedicated to the district’s continued success using the RBT pedagogical model, which reinforces a common language between teachers and administrators, critical to improve instruction.
“We realize many benefits using our own model,” said Xenakis. “Teachers have a comfort level with RBT terminology and ideology because it has been part of our professional development for 16 years. District teachers serve as RBT in-district trainers and lead all professional development coursework. And last, but not least, the district realizes huge savings each year.”
