Warwick (and all school districts in New York State)
to begin major changes in the way instruction is
delivered to students

As educators with years of experience working in New York State, Warwick administrators
and teachers have never before had to adjust and align the educational program to such
significant change in curriculum and instruction at one time.

 

The changes are greater,
the enormity is unmatched
and the stakes have never been higher.

 

It is not just the way
in which educators will be reviewed
that is changing,
but the way in which
they must teach.

 

In New York State, educators must undergo what is being called the “NYS Common Core Standards Shifts”, which calls for implementation of six shifts each in the way English/language arts and mathematics are taught. This aligns with the new professional performance review regulations and the goal of teaching for the 21st Century for a complete change in the way instruction is delivered in the state and in our district.

While teachers and administrators begin learning and training for the changes in education that are now upon us, it is hoped that parents will view this as an opportunity for the district to enhance education for their children, and for parents to partner with district staff supporting good attendance, study skills and behaviors.

The knowledge gained during professional development time this year and in years to come will help align instruction in our school district with new standards. The school district is working to prepare teachers to deliver lessons for the 21st Century – which will improve instruction for students.

 

Common Core State Standards

For Warwick and school districts across New York State, the transition to the Common Core Learning Standards as part of the federal Race To The Top initiative will be one of the most challenging undertakings since No Child Left Behind. This year will be especially intense, as 12 "shifts" in curriculum and instruction are required to be completed by 2012-13, when student achievement will be based on common core and current NYS standards. In 2014-15, Common Core State Standards will be fully operational.
Click here to see what the 12 "shifts" are. (pdf)

What are the Common Core Learning Standards?

The overall goal of the Common Core State Standards (CCLS) is to provide a clear and uniform understanding of what students are expected to learn. Developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators and experts, the Standards draw upon the most effective curriculum models from across the nation and the world. They fully align with college and career expectations, and include rigorous content that requires students to use critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving.

New York State's Common Core Learning Standards are a direct
reflection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which you can
read more about here.

Common Core "Shifts"

There are 12 shifts the Common Core requires of school districts for curricular materials and classroom instruction to be truly aligned with the Standards. There are six shifts each in English Language Arts/Literacy and Math.

Read about the shifts in-depth. [PDF]

Common Core Learning Standards - From Beginning to End

This document (PDF) includes all of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy plus the New York recommended additions approved on January 10, 2011. Click here for the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics. (pdf)

 

New Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan

What is an APPR Plan?

According to New York State Education Law, all school districts must have a new Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan in place for 2011-12. APPR was created to support the professional growth of NYS educators. A successful review system should provide timely feedback, an opportunity to acknowledge educators’ strengths and weaknesses and an opportunity for growth as an educator. The review system should ultimately result in better classroom teachers for all New York State students.

What Does This Mean for Warwick?

While the debate goes on at the state level, the district still has an obligation to evaluate teachers and principals. The new regulations require training and certification for Lead Evaluators/Evaluators, the development of a new data analysis process and time set aside for teacher and principal evaluations. Warwick has begun to prepare for the new APPR requirements.

The district has established an APPR committee comprised of members of the administrative, teaching and central office staff. This committee is reviewing requirements of the new law. The goal of the committee is to select a teacher evaluation rubric and local assessment that is right for the Warwick Valley Central School District. Administrators are attending local BOCES training on the evaluation of teachers under the new APPR requirements.

Professional Growth Benefits Instruction

Providing educators an opportunity for growth is a chance to enhance the teaching and learning that goes on in the classroom. In the end, students will reap the benefits of a review system  meant to provide timely feedback and the opportunity to identify educators’ strengths and weaknesses.

Some Background On the Law Regarding APPR

Last year, the NYS Legislature passed a bill that mandates 60 percent of a teacher’s evaluation be based on subjective measures like a principal’s observations, a review of student work, or surveys of parents and students; 20 percent on local tests or other assessments; and 20 percent on state tests. The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) union challenged the new law, and on Aug. 24, 2011, the New York State Supreme court ruled in favor of the teachers’ union. The NYS Education Department is appealing this ruling. Despite the ruling and the appeal, the bulk of the new APPR regulations remain intact, which means that school districts must work toward implementation of the state mandated process beginning this year.

News Headlines and More Information on APPR

New Task for Schools: Rating Teachers (9/25/11 - The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, NY) (pdf)

Court Decision Invalidating Key Provision of Regents' APPR (8/24/11 - Capital Region BOCES Press Release) PDF

NYSUT v. Board of Regents Court Decision (8/24/11 - NY State Supreme Court) PDF

New APPR Evaluation System for Teachers and Principals: Districts scramble to comply with system that will rank educators on a scale of 1 to 100 (7/3/11 Syracuse)

NYSED Guidance on New York State’s Annual Professional Performance Review Law and Regulations (pdf)

 

 

21st Century Learners, Workers Citizens

WVCSD Board of Education Goal:

To create an educational system

that supports learning in a changing society

and prepares all students

for a successful life in and beyond school.

 

While working on Common Core State Standards and the new Annual Professional Performance Review plan, Warwick administrators and teachers will concurrently be working on ways in which to infuse 21st Century skills into the curriculum. As part of the Board of Education’s Goal, Warwick students must attain the following eight sets of skills defined as critical to success in the Global Community of the 21st Century:

• Critical thinking & Problem solving
• Collaboration across networks & Leading by influence
• Agility & Adaptability
• Initiative & Entrepreneurialism
• Effective Verbal & Written communication
• Accessing & Analyzing information
• Curiosity& Imagination
• Empathy, Diversity, & Inclusion