Observations of teachers during unannounced, five-minute walk-throughs by educational coaches and administration were summarized for the Board of Education by Assistant Superintendent Jeff Pegues during Monday’s regular meeting.
The data collection tool category choices were selected by in-district administration and instructional coaches to align with the district’s instructional framework, to make sure all those using the tool are all seeing and scoring things the same way, no matter the building or grade level. This provides consistency across the district.
Upon entering a classroom, the observer notes the time of the day, the objective posted in the classroom, the highest cognitive level students are using. For example, if the students are applying, comparing or appraising. Pegues said they check to see what percentage of the students are engaged, and note what kind of student group the teacher is working with, small group, large group, one-on-one.
Classroom management, interactions, distractions to the learning environment, inappropriate behaviors, positive reinforcement ratio to negative reinforcement, are also among the many aspects observed.
The walk-throughs are not designed to be a part of the formal teacher evaluation process. The information gathered, and what it is measuring provides a lot of great data and teachers get a copy of the walk-through so they can see what the observer saw.
Pegues said the information assists in teacher communications, training and guiding professional development, by showing areas of strengths and areas where maybe the teachers need to grow.
This year, 939 walk-throughs have been completed.
JAG
Jobs Across America-Kansas instructor Mark Pound thanked the Board of Education for approving a partnership agreement with JAG for another year. JAG is a nationwide program serving more than 40 states.
JAG is “an elective class that provides academic and other positive support to ensure students earn their diploma. By exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills, students are prepared to successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service, or into the workforce following their graduation.”
There are 114 programs in Kansas, and it is growing. JAG is being started in Cherryvale and Caney this coming year, he said.
The best part of JAG is the relationships formed with students, and the ability to watch them grow, even though most are confronted with barriers, Pound said. Helping students overcome those barriers to meet with success is a large part of what he does.
Having one consistent person to turn to, outside their home, is helpful to the students. Pound said, without getting on to students, he tries to be someone to get the students to hold themselves accountable. Time and again, Pound said he’s watched students’ grades soar and all of his students have graduated.
Through the program students receive support while in school, and one year after they graduate, to make sure they are doing okay in their pursuits.
Now Pound, who has served as the JAG instructor at PHS the last four years, is saying his goodbyes. He is retiring after devoting 40 years to education. Thirty-six of those years he was a Special Education teacher before stepping up to serve as the JAG instructor.
With the partnership approved for another year, the district will be looking for someone to fill the JAG teacher position for the 2025-26 school year.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the board: Approved April 18 (Good Friday) as a make up day due to inclement weather. Students have missed five days total. Students have enough hours to cover the other days.
Approved paying classified staff for three days that would have been unpaid due to inclement weather closing the schools those days.
Approved 4 State Maintenance Supply resurfacing the PHS basketball court and coating with oil based polyurethane. Three bids were received, but two vendors submitted quotes for water-based coating rather than oil-based as requested. The remaining bid came in at $32,017.84. It is anticipated that the work would be done in July.
Approved policy for board members encouraging them, in their official capacity, to attend PTO meetings and normal parental activities or patron events. Outside of that, board members are required to notify the superintendent if they will be in the buildings and are to notify building administration upon their arrival. The policy states board members should not give the appearance of evaluating district employees when in the buildings, which is the duty of administration. The policy language is what is used in other districts. The district had no policy previously.
Approved employing Keaton Nolting as maintenance director effective Feb. 21; Janea Bailey, as high school cheerleading sponsor; and Lauren Overly, as junior class sponsor.
Accepted the resignation from employment of Alberta Smith, Parsons High School custodian , effective June 30.
Approved the transfers of employment for Julie McIntosh, from middle school and Guthridge librarian to high school librarian; and Melissa Peak, from preschool teacher to middle school/Guthridge librarian.
