Publications
Summary of the American Institutes for Research (AIR)'s Report on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in The Austin Independent School District (AISD), 2013
This report summarizes findings from AIR's 2013 report analyzing the effectiveness of AISD’s implementation of SEL. Five major findings of the 2013 AIR report are presented, along with additional considerations.
AISD REACH Program Update, 2012-2013: Student Learning Objectives
Results of the evaluation suggest the SLO process is related to some positive outcomes for teachers and students. However, evidence indicates a need for program refinements to address discrepancies in SLO performance by staff role and school.
AISD REACH Program Update, 2012-2013: Student Learning Objectives
In 2012-13, 87% of educators at 38 REACH schools earned a stipend for meeting at least one Student Learning Objective (SLO) designed to address students’ needs. Relationships between SLOs, instructional practices, and student outcomes are described.
Austin Independent School District (AISD) Pilot Teacher Appraisal System Update: 2012-2013 Focus Group and Survey Summary
This report summarizes data gathered from focus groups and a survey designed to assess teachers’ experiences with AISD's pilot teacher appraisal system. Additional data are included regarding the timing of administrators’ classroom observations.
Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) in Austin Independent School District
Correlations for PDAS scores from year to year were moderate, and experienced teachers generally outperformed their novice peers. Data suggest a weak-to-moderate relationship between 3-year averages of teachers’ PDAS and student growth scores.
AISD Pilot Teacher Appraisal System, 2011-2012
Results from the 2011-12 pilot teacher appraisal system suggest peer, administrator, and student feedback are valuable tools that can be used with Student Learning Objectives and value-added data to provide a holistic evaluation of teachers in AISD.
AISD REACH Program Update, 2011-2012: The Peer Observation Program
Teachers, principals, and observers had favorable attitudes toward the peer observation program in 2011-2012. Announced and unannounced observation ratings were moderately consistent, but were only slightly related to administrator ratings on PDAS.
AISD REACH Program Update, 2010-2011: Participant Feedback
Educators in REACH schools participated in focus groups and surveys about their experiences. Attitudes regarding the program and its elements were largely favorable, despite some challenges.
2009-2010 School Climate Update
This report examines the relationship between four broad dimensions of school climate (i.e., respectful school environment, school engagement and community involvement, expectations for student achievement, and campus support for teachers) and the percentage of students meeting the state standard on TAKS (math and reading only).
AISD REACH Program Update: 2009-2010 TAKS School-wide Growth
This report describes results for the school-wide growth component of the AISD REACH strategic compensation program in 2009-2010.