Q-Comp and Observations: For this week’s update, here are some more specifics on the observation part of the proposal. The three observations will focus on the part of your work that includes your day to day student contact and how that affects the goal you set for yourself. For most of our members that is Domain IV of our current Performance Assessment System (PAS) - Instruction.
For the first year, we are proposing that the standard for success be reaching a Basic, Proficient, or Distinguished level on all components of that domain (no Unsatisfactory ratings) by the end of the year. The next year, we propose that at least 3 of the 5 components be proficient or distinguished, followed by reaching proficient or distinguished in 4 of the 5 components the third year and thereafter. We felt that we would need a couple of years to make sure we were consistent with our evaluations and we all understood the plan well before implementing the more rigorous standard.
Sweet Tweets: The back page of our monthly newsletter this year will include quick good news notes about our members (who’s started a band, who’s gotten an award, who’s been in the news, who’s a third generation Anoka Hennepin teacher, etc.). If you have a bit of good news to share about yourself or a colleague, email Lee Anne Clauer at essential2education@comcast.net.
Absentee Voting: Absentee voting is now open in Minnesota for the general election. You may cast an absentee ballot in person, at your county auditor's office and in many cases your city or township clerk's office. This option is available on weekdays during business hours. In addition, the county auditor's office must be open for absentee balloting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Saturday before the election and until 5 p.m. on the day before the election. If you are going to be out of your precinct on election day, visit http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=211 for more information on how to vote absentee either by mail or in person.
Committees: One of the roles of the AHEM President is to appoint our members to district committees. Currently, there are openings on the Calendar Committee (creates next year’s district calendar for the School Board to approve), Health Insurance Advisory Committee (provides feedback to the district about our health insurance plan), and the Middle School Program Evaluation Committee (this group is working to evaluate our middle school courses and structure). If you are interested in serving on these or other committees, email me at julie.blaha@educationminnesota.org.
