Comprehensive program evaluation is built into and included in every Learning Teams implementation. Developed to assess demographic, implementation, and achievement data at each LT school, the standard LT evaluation is designed to meet three objectives:
1) To document program outcomes, both formative and summative
2) To document implementation strength and fidelity
3) To provide feedback to implementing schools for the purpose of
celebrating successes as well as improving program implementation
Each LT school is evaluated on seven different metrics which have been developed and tested in the field for reliability and validity. These instruments assess key aspects of program implementation, system outcomes, and academic achievement outcomes.
Assesses the level of readiness for a given school on seven dimensions related to successful LT implementation. The readiness assessment is carried out by LT staff with input from district and/or school site staff.
Assesses fidelity and strength of LT implementation at each school. LT Advisors rate schools at the end of the year and share results with each school to provide feedback and guide implementation for the upcoming year.
Assesses LT Teacher Workgroup progress throughout the year. Ratings are completed by LT Advisors at the end of the school year and shared with schools to provide feedback and guide implementation for the upcoming year.
Assesses LT Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) meeting progress throughout the year. Ratings are completed by LT Advisors at the end of the school year and shared with each school to provide feedback and guide implementation for the upcoming year.
Assesses teacher perceptions regarding LT implementation including perceived benefits of LT, support for the program, and perceived success at implementing the 7-Step Protocol. The survey is administered at the end of each school year to all teacher workgroup participants. Results are shared with the school to guide implementation for the upcoming year.
Assesses the extent to which the Summer and Follow-up Leadership Institutes meet the stated objectives. Evaluation forms are administered at the end of the Institute and completed on-site by the attendees. A report is generated to summarize the ratings and results are shared with each school and district.
Standardized student achievement data are obtained for all LT schools each year. Mean scale scores are assessed over time, both during and prior to LT implementation. If available, average gains by LT schools are compared to the average district and/or state level gains. In high-implementing LT schools, we expect to see gains in student achievement by Year 3.
The standard evaluation is intended to provide a clear picture of the quality of LT implementation at a given school or district. Effective Learning Teams implementation is typically an enabler for other school improvement initiatives and innovations (e.g. changes in curriculum, PD on pedagogy, and incorporation of new assessments and data collection). As such, the LT evaluation helps schools assess the degree to which they are successfully implementing collaborative learning communities, as well as determine their readiness to take on new school improvement reform initiatives.
Over 175 Learning Teams schools currently undergo comprehensive program evaluation throughout the year designed to strengthen implementation and achieve results
Effective collaborative learning communities can lead to improved teacher discourse, instructional leadership, and teacher retention
“As an administrator, to be able to participate in authentic, research-based, teacher-generated professional development—you can’t ask for something better!”