School Leaders and Teacher Evaluation: Learning, Leading, and Balancing Responsibilities
Washington state’s revised teacher and principal evaluation system (TPEP) represents a substantial change in state education policy. Implementing an ambitious evaluation system has impacted educators across the system, but nowhere more intensely than at the school level. This study builds on existing work by focusing on school leadership as key to successful TPEP implementation. In this report we provide practical examples of how school leaders learn to productively support the professional growth of teachers.
Examining Beginning Teacher Retention and Mobility in Washington State
In this study, we examine the characteristics of beginning teachers and look at factors associated with their retention and mobility. We also examine a specific set of beginning teachers who began their first year of teaching in districts that received BEST (Beginning Educator Support Team) grants from the state to support teacher induction. This report serves as a companion piece to the report issued in January 2017 regarding retention and mobility of all teachers in Washington state.
Understanding Principal Retention and Mobility in Washington State
The work of a school principal is complex and multi-faceted. Expectations for the role are steadily rising, and questions have surfaced regarding the capacity of principals to meet all of these expectations. In recent years, Washington state has engaged in numerous instructional improvement and accountability initiatives, including revisions to the way in which educators are evaluated. A sizable portion of the workload associated with these initiatives rest on the shoulders of school principals and assistant principals.
Understanding Teacher Retention and Mobility in Washington State
Teacher retention and mobility are part of a larger state and national conversation about trends in the teacher workforce. This study aims to provide insight into the demographics of Washington teachers and their retention and mobility patterns, and to offer educators and policymakers in Washington state information to inform and enhance decision-making regarding teacher quality policies and practices.