How are states defining and applying Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in their teacher evaluation systems?
That is the question that a new report from Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northeast and Islands answers. The report provides an overview of how states are using SLOs, based on a review of state education websites. SLOs are an alternative to the more generally used value-added modeling with standardized test scores. Essentially, teachers use student data to diagnose student weaknesses and create targeted intervention plans to help students meet learning goals in those areas.
The study found that among the 30 states:
• Most require SLOs to be measurable and based on student growth and achievement.
• States vary by whether they apply SLOs at the school, team, or individual teacher level and by which teachers and students are included.
• State SLO policies differ in whether and how achievement targets are set, which assessments are used, and how SLO processes are approved.
The report includes searchable tables with detailed information on the characteristics and use of SLOs in the 30 states that had publicly available information on their SLO policies.
REL Northeast is part of the U.S. Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences.
To read the report, please follow this link: http://1.usa.gov/1fYQ6EY
