W inchester Public Schools SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION Introduction The licensed personnel who staff our classrooms and who provide related services bear the responsibility for the effectiveness of the school division's instructional program. Through their leadership they ensure that the teaching and learning process is continuously strengthened throughout all the schools. As a result, students are assured of a caring classroom environment and teaching practices which effectively facilitate learning. It is imperative that programs developed to assess personnel performance is designed to recognize their leadership role as they work individually and in collaboration. Acknowledgement must be given to the necessity of a ive and nurturing environment that allows for creative independence and requires cooperative unity in fulfilling a common understanding and commitment to the effective teaching and development of all students. It must also be understood that the individual's success and growth is dependent upon the that results from the successful blending of the efforts of a wide range of individuals and groups within the total operational structure of the school division. The purposes of the School Psychologist Growth and Development Plan are to assess performance; to foster professional growth; to improve instruction, intervention and consultation services; and to ensure accountability to the criteria established for effective performance. These purposes will be realized if there is an open exchange of ideas and expectations between the parties involved. Communication, which encourages dialogue and reflects shared responsibility, is required. The School Psychologist Growth and Development Program is designed to specific beliefs regarding the professional development of school psychologists. They are as follows: _ Growth and development are best achieved in an environment marked by respect, trust and collegiality. Professional growth and accountability are shared responsibilities. _ Given the proper environment and opportunities, school psychologists will make good decisions about how to develop their knowledge and skills to improve student learning. _ Intervention and direct consultation service are complex and dynamic; demanding highly developed interpersonal, technical, and analytical skills. _ School Psychologist growth is enhanced in an environment that encourages thoughtful consideration of practice and active problem solving. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION Program Applications The School Psychologist Growth and Development Program has various component parts that are applicable to personnel at various status points. Each of those is listed below with a description. I. Probationary Probationary status applies to the following: II. 1. School psychologists new to the Winchester Public Schools who have not previously achieved continuing contract status in another Virginia public school division; 2. School psychologists new to the Winchester Public Schools serving a one-year probationary period who have achieved continuing contract status in another Virginia school division immediately preceding employment by the Winchester Public Schools; and 3. Part-time school psychologists during the first three (3) years of their part-time employment with the Winchester Public Schools. (Note: Part-time school psychologists are not eligible for continuing contract status in Virginia.) Continuing Contract Continuing Contract status applies to those school psychologists who have successfully completed the required periods of probationary service as specified by the Code of Virginia and Winchester School Board policy. III. Plan Status Plan status applies to those school psychologists who are experiencing significant performance problems for which a plan of assistance needs to be developed and for whom enhanced supervisory services and performance observations need to be implemented. EVALUATION CYCLE AND PROCESS FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS Level Probationary Year of Cycle 1 2 3 Evaluation Type Formal Evaluation Formal Evaluation Formal Evaluation* Evaluation by principal/designee after two observations (one announced and one unannounced). Completed by February 1 Evaluation by principal/designee after two observations (one announced and one unannounced). Completed by February 1 Evaluation by principal/designee after two observations (one announced and one unannounced). Completed by February 1 Evaluation Process Continuing Contract And and and A minimum of one other data collection procedure (may be a second unannounced observation, a structured interview, a review of records, or similar formal exercise designed to obtain substantive information about the school psychologist's performance) and A minimum of one other data collection procedure A minimum of one other data collection procedure and and End-of-Year evaluation conference. Completed by June 1 End-of-Year evaluation conference. Completed by June 1 1 Prescriptive SelfAssessment** School psychologists not formally evaluated, but works on prescriptive goals resulting from evaluation, with assistance if requested and End-of-Year evaluation conference. Completed by June 1 SelfAssessment*** 2&3 4 Self-Assessment Formal Evaluation Every 4th Year School psychologists not formally evaluated, but works on personally-set professional goals, with assistance if requested School psychologists not formally evaluated, but works on personally-set professional goals, with assistance if requested and and Evaluation by principal/designee after two observations (one announced and one unannounced). Completed by February 1 and Interim and end-of-year conferencing conducted June 1 – September 15 Interim and end-of-year conferencing conducted June 1 – September 15 (Optional) One other data collection procedure (may be a second unannounced observation, a structured interview, a review of records, or similar formal exercise designed to obtain substantive information about the school psychologist's performance) and End-of-Year evaluation conference. Completed by June 1 End-of-Year evaluation conference. Completed by June 1 * ** *** School psychologists with continuing contract status in Virginia who have transferred into Winchester Public Schools begin evaluation cycle at this point. All school psychologists gaining continuing contract status or moving from one-year probationary status begin at this point. Following each fourth year formal evaluation, all school psychologists on continuing contract begin at this point for the first year of the three-year self-assessment cycle. During the three-year period of self-assessment, the Evaluation Report should not be filled out unless the principal/designee determines there are performance concern significant to the extent that formal documentation is warranted. Note: The principal/designee may elect to formally evaluate any school psychologist during any year. The number of observations is a minimum. Additional observations may be conducted. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION FORMS SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION ANNUAL GOAL FORM Name ____________________________________ Academic Year ____________________ School __________________________ 1. Goal Statement (desired results) 2. Standards(s) (1.1 --- 5.5) (specificy those selected for development) 3. Baseline Data (status at beginning of evaluation period) 4. Strategies for Improvement (activities to accomplish goals) _____________________________________ Teacher’s Signature Date ________________________________________ Evaluator Signature Date Approved USE ADDITIONAL PAGES IF NECESSARY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION Categories of Primary Responsibilities Domains Standards Performance Indicator DOMAIN I. INTERVENTION/DIRECT SERVICES Performance Standard 1.1: The school psychologist suggests realistic and effective intervention strategies for teachers to use with students. Performance Indicators 1. Carefully observes student behavior or assesses performance before developing intervention strategy. 2. Responds with suggested strategies promptly after referral or request for assistance. 3. Assists teacher or student in implementation of strategies if requested. 4. Seeks feedback from teacher or student regarding effectiveness of intervention strategies. 5. Develops effective intervention strategies based on knowledge and understanding of learning styles. 6. Demonstrates assessment knowledge and skills in areas of academic performance, behavior, and social/emotional development and functioning. 7. Uses various techniques to assess classroom/school situations (observations, checklists, questionnaires, and socio-metrics). 8. Analyzes, integrates and interprets information from a variety of sources to make diagnoses and recommendations regarding needs for services. 9. Communicates verbally and in written form the student’s present level of functioning and educational needs. 10. Conducts valid psychological and psycho-educational assessment revelant to referral questions. Performance Standard 1.2: The school psychologist works effectively with parents. Performance Indicators 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Develops and provides group parent education training as needed. Interviews parents to gather diagnostic information. Develops and recommends effective intervention strategies for parents. Conducts follow-up conferences with parents to determine efficacy of intervention. Provides information about relevant community agencies. Performance Standard 1.3: The school psychologist works effectively with students. Performance Indicators 1. Collaborates in developing and implementing prevention programs related to current social concerns. 2. Counsels students individually or in groups on improvement of educational programs and personal adjustment. 3. Intervenes effectively with students in crisis situations. 4. Uses language appropriate to the listener, including non-vocal communication when necessary. 5. Provides activities that promote feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. 6. Encourages others to understand and respect those with disabilities. 7. Communicates clearly defined expectations to the students. 8. Involves students in setting objectives and planning therapy. 9. Assists in early identification of students’ school-related problems. DOMAIN 2 . PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND RESPONSIBILITIES Performance Standard 2.1: The school psychologist works to uphold professional responsibilities. Performance Indicators 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Delivers services consistent with National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and American Psychological Association (APA) ethical principles and professional standards of practice. Applies ethical principles and standards of practice to delivery of services in the schools. Observes federal, state, and local policies and regulations in the delivery of school psychological services. Adheres to statutes and regulations addressing civil and legal rights of students, parents, and school personnel. Complies with established lines of authority within the parameters of professional standards of practice and ethical principles. Possesses appropriate qualifications to provide therapeutic/educational services. Possesses knowledge and understanding of the local school, the process of education, and of relevant legislation and due process. Contributes to the development of the profession by the education and supervision of interns. Demonstrates knowledge of theories, techniques, and skills in the specialty areas. Follows established communication channels. Communicates information critical to decision making but maintains appropriate confidentiality. Maintains effective interpersonal relationships and communication with staff. Keeps appointments and follows up on commitments. Writes timely, comprehensive, and diagnostic assessment reports in clear, concise language and maintains accurate records. Participates in multidisciplinary staffing conferences concerning individual cases of special need (academic, social, cultural, emotional, and economic). Maintains organized, accurate and complete records of student referrals and all relevant contacts made in providing services to those students. Performance Standard 2.2: The school psychologist maintains efforts for continuing professional growth. Performance Indicators 1. 2. 3. 4. Participates in professional meetings, symposia, and workshops. Reviews professional literature and makes use of new information in procedures. Applies knowledge gained from continuing education activities. Explores and disseminates information about new or improved methods of serving students. 5. Participates in professional organizations. 6. Evaluates and identifies areas of personal strength and weakness and seeks improvement of skills and professional performance; practices self-evaluation and improvement. 7. Implements reasonable and appropriate time allocations for observation, testing, communication, consultation and paperwork. DOMAIN 3. SCHOOL, HOME AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS Performance Standard 3.1: The school psychologist consults with parents, other school staff, and teachers about ways to facilitate the learning and adjustment of students. Performance Indicators 1. Confers cooperatively with teachers and other school personnel to discuss student needs and to develop plans for remediation of problems in the areas of student learning and adjustment. 2. Consults with parents about strategies that will meet students’ needs. 3. Confers with parents concerning their feelings about special education services/placements; prepares them for multidisciplinary conference. 4. Applies knowledge of effective consultation procedures in working with parents, teachers, and other school personnel. 5. Applies knowledge about principles and methods of behavior analysis in designing and implementing behavioral change programs for individual students. 6. Serves on, or leads, multidisciplinary teams for staffing meetings. 7. Participates in Child Study, eligibility, and IEP committees to help meet the needs of identified students. Performance Standard 3.2: The school psychologist consults with teachers and other school staff on classroom, school, and system needs. Performance Indicators 1. Provides consultation on classroom management procedures and organizational structures. 2. Provides assistance in developing instructional programs for individual students and for those with special problems of affective development and social skills. Performance Standard 3.3: The school psychologist uses effective consultative behaviors. Performance Indicators 1. Is knowledgeable about the behavior of individual children. 2. Identifies useful resources and follows up on problems and strategies after initial contact. 3. Respects values different from his/her own. 4. Provides and alternatives in dealing with problem situations. 5. Helps staff work more effectively with parents. 6. Involves staff as participants in problem-solving process. Performance Standard 3.4: The school psychologist interprets educational policies, programs, and procedures related to psychological services. Performance Indicators 1. Explains laws, policies, and regulations relating to psychological services to parents, students, and school personnel. 2. Identifies and contacts appropriate community service agencies. 3. Informs community agencies about school psychological programs. 4. Informs students and families about available community services and programs. 5. Aids the school administration in providing programs that are beneficial to students and staff. 6. Prepares and disseminates information about issues of concern regarding student behavior and teachers’ ability to identify and refer students. The categories of Primary Responsibilities & Sample performance indicators have been reviewed. School Psychologist’s Signature Date Evaluator’s Signature Date SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION ANNUAL REVIEW School Psychologist’s Name_____________________ Academic Year School Evaluator Directions: Evaluators should indicate the School Psychologist’s progress on the performance standards as “Exceeds Criteria,” “Meets Criteria,” “Requires Improvement” or “Unsatisfactory.” Progress ratings of “Exceeds Criteria,” “Requires Improvement,” and “Unsatisfactory” must include comments which provide for the rating. If improvement is required, the comments should also provide direction for the School Psychologist’s Annual Goal for the next school year. DOMAIN 1 INTERVENTION/DIRECT SERVICES 1.1: The school psychologist suggests realistic and effective intervention strategies for teachers to use with students. Evaluator Rating: Comments: 1.2: The school psychologist works effectively with parents. Evaluator Rating: Comments: 1.3: The school psychologist works effectively with students. Evaluator Rating: Comments: DOMAIN 2 PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1: The school psychologist works to uphold professional responsibilities. Evaluator Rating: Comments: 2.2: The school psychologist works to maintain efforts for continuing professional growth. Evaluator Rating: Comments: DOMAIN 3 SCHOOL, HOME AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS 3.1: The school psychologist consults with students, parents, school staff, and community agencies about ways to facilitate the learning and adjustment of students. Evaluator Rating: Comments: 3.2: The school psychologist consults with teachers and other school staff on classroom, school, and system needs. Evaluator Rating: Comments: 3.3: The school psychologist uses effective consultative behaviors. Evaluator Rating: Comments: 3.4: The school psychologist interprets educational policies, and procedures related to psychological services. Evaluator Rating: Comments: School Psychologist Evaluation Summary Strengths: Areas for Improvement: Evaluator Recommendation: ____ Continued Employment ____ Intensive Assistance Plan ____ Dismissal School Psychologist’s Signature Evaluator’s Signature Date: Date: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST’S SIGNATURE ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THIS FORM. WRITTEN COMMENTS MAY BE ATTACHED. COMMENTS ATTACHED: _____YES _____NO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION APPENDICES Appendix A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION SELF-ASSESSMENT Description: School psychologists on continuing contract will select a self-assessment option. Three years of self-assessment will be followed by one year of formal evaluation. The option for self-assessment affords the school psychologists an opportunity to develop a personalized plan for professional growth. Procedure: 1. Identify a need or interest related to one or more of the performance criteria presented in the School Psychologist Growth and Development program. 2. Develop a plan of activities or strategies for addressing the selected criteria. 3. Consider one or more of the options listed below as a component of the Growth and Development Plan. A. Portfolio – a collection of documents that the growth objective and may include lists of books read, personal works of the school psychologist, consultative examples, or any other pertinent artifacts. B. Input Surveys – surveys administered by the school psychologist to peers, students, and/or parents to obtain feedback for the purpose of identifying areas of growth or improvement. After data is collected the school psychologist creates a plan of action, implements the plan, and administers the same surveys again. The comparison of the data from the surveys helps identify the growth or improvement. C. Quantitative Data Collection – using current data available such as grade distribution, attendance, subject-specific data, and diagnostic testing results, the school psychologist identifies an area for change, creates a plan, implements it, and evaluates the results based on a comparison of pre and post data. D. Multiple Year Plan – school psychologists may develop long-range plans that necessitate establishing target dates spanning no more than three years. After following the steps outlined in the procedures, the school psychologist would present a detailed summary of growth and development. E. Other proposals by the school psychologist. 4. Meet with the principal/designee at times agreed upon during the period of June 1 to September 15 for the purposes of establishing the plan for self-assessment and for interim and end-of-year conferencing. During the self-assessment process, a minimum of a mid-year and end-of-year conference is to be held annually. Appendix B SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EVALUATION Plan of for Improvement When it is determined that a school psychologist is not meeting stated performance criteria, a Plan of for Improvement will be formulated by the principal/designee. The steps listed below shall be followed. 1. The principal/designee will notify the school psychologist in writing of specific, well-defined reasons for placing the individual on a Plan of . This notification may occur at any time. A copy of the notification will be sent to the superintendent or his designee. 2. After the school psychologist receives notification of the need for a Plan of , he/she may, within one week, address in writing to the principal/designee any concerns regarding the reasons given for this action being taken. 3. After the formal notification of the need for a Plan of , the principal/designee and the school psychologist will meet within two weeks to develop the Plan of . This plan shall include: A statement of what performance criteria is not being met. A statement of what the school psychologist is expected to do to correct the deficiencies. A detailing of the assistance that will be provided to the school psychologist in his/her effort to improve.* A definitive time frame in which improvement is expected to be observable. Implementing the Procedures Stage 1 The principal/designee will observe the school psychologist for a twelve-week period. By approximately the mid-point of this period, the principal/designee will observe and confer with the school psychologist at least three times. If the principal/designee notes sufficient improvement, then he/she will observe and meet with the school psychologist a minimum of two times during the remaining portion of the period. If improvement is not noted, then he/she will observe and meet with school psychologist a minimum of four times. Stage 2 For those school psychologists who do not show improvement during the approximate first half of the twelve-week period, the principal/designee will strongly recommend the assistance of a team consisting of one or more faculty members selected by the school psychologist and principal/designee. The team will serve as long as needed. ** If the school psychologist does not wish this assistance, he/she will so state in written form. Stage 3 The principal/designee will make a recommendation concerning continued employment and/or evaluation status for the remainder of the school year and/or the next school calendar year. Sustained improvement and increasing effectiveness is expected in order for continuing contract status to be assured. * The school psychologist may request the assistance of a team consisting of one or more faculty members selected by the school psychologist and the principal/designee. The nature of this team is purely ive; the team will assist and not evaluate the school psychologist. Members of the team may be selected from faculties across the division. Observation of the school psychologist by the team will be optional to the school psychologist. Data and observations recorded during such observations will be shared with the school psychologist as requested but will not be used to obviate the documented observations of the principal/designee. ** It shall be the responsibility of the principal/designee to arrange the first meeting of the team with the school psychologist. At this time, the team and the school psychologist will develop a written plan specifying how the team will assist the school psychologist.