June 18, 2014
TO
LEA Superintendents
FROM
Rebecca Garland
CLARIFICATION REGARDING CALCULATING GROWTH FOR K-2 DUAL
LANGUAGE/IMMERSION PROGRAMS
In July, 2013, the Department informed districts that Dual Language/Immersion programs utilizing 80/20 or 90/10
instructional models would not be required to use the English version of Reading 3D, and could instead develop a
local assessment in the target language. Districts were also required to provide documentation of which
assessment system they used to replace or replicate the 3D system. Districts were also required to provide
documentation that the replacement assessment system supports appropriate methods of assessments in the target
language.
In response to several inquiries regarding the calculation of Standard 6 measures for educators in Dual
Language/Immersion programs, the Department has developed the following clarifications:
Dual Language/Immersion Programs utilizing 80/20 or 90/10 instructional models
Educators in these programs will administer the locally developed assessments specified above. Districts will
need to submit a plan to the Department outlining the local plan to measure growth for these educators based on
the locally developed assessments. The first year of Standard 6 data for these educators will be 2014-2015, using
the locally developed plans to measure growth.
Dual Language/Immersion Programs utilizing all other instructional models
Educators in these programs will administer the English version of TRC. Growth for these educators will be
calculated using the best two of three years data, the same accommodation we allowed for educators measured by
the NC Final Exams. Data collected in 2013-2014 may only help an educator’s first effectiveness status. SAS is
currently conducting a feasibility study on the K-2 data collected in 2013-2014 to determine whether the data
from these assessments can support a student growth model. If SAS determines that these data are conducive to
calculating growth for K-2 educators, we will populate Standard 6 ratings for K-2 educators for the 2013-2014
school year (delivered in the Fall of 2014).
If you have questions or comments about the Standard 6 rating process for K-2 educators, please send an email to
educatoreffectiveness@dpi.nc.gov.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY STATE SUPERINTENDENT
Rebecca Garland, Ed.D., Deputy State Superintendent | rebecca.garland@dpi.nc.gov
6368 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-6368 | (919) 807-3200 | Fax (919) 807-3388
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER