TWS Aid for Scorers Information on the Background of TWS

The Mission of the Teacher Work Sample The TWS measures the ability to: Construct and deliver an instructional unit Construct challenging and meaningful assessments Adapt instruction to meet student needs Measure learning gains and achievement Analyze and reflect on teaching decisions and results TWS

The TWS Vision TWS The TWS Vision is to: Connect the performance of candidates to PK-12 student learning Assess candidate performance relative to national, state, and institutional standards Provide a framework for teacher professional development Develop self-assessment & reflection skills

Preparation for the TWS TWS Completing a TWS became a requirement for all student teachers & interns beginning Spring Elementary interns learn about the TWS process beginning in Block 1 classes. During Block 2 (first P. D. S. semester), interns prepare a sample reading TWS using elements of the TWS design. Elementary (Block 3) complete a TWS as part of the EL431 Secondary (Phase 1) complete a “Practice” TWS (prior to student teaching). Secondary (Phase 2) complete a TWS as part of the ED431 course. ESU supervisors will provide appropriate assistance to interns. Mentor teachers/supervisors may provide assistance as provided by the TWS Assistance Policy.

The Seven Factors

The Seven Kansas Performance Assessment Factors Reflected in the TWS Each TWS needs to provide proof of meeting the following standards. Contextual Information & Learning Environment Unit Learning Goals & Objectives Factors Instructional Design & Implementation Demonstration of Integration Skills Analysis of Classroom Learning Environment Analysis of Assessment Procedures Reflection & Self-Evaluation

Factor 1: Contextual Information & Learning Environment Educational Purposes Increase teacher’s concept of classroom diversity Link information about diversity to instructional design Measurement Purpose: Provide information about teacher’s awareness of contextual factors and ultimately data to examine their ability to function as a professional in a diverse setting. Rubric used by scorers

Factor 2: Unit Learning Goals and Objectives Educational Purposes Promote use of more challenging instruction for all P-12 pupils Promote use, interpretation, and application of Kansas Content Standards and District Standards Encourage teachers to avoid “knowledge only” targets Measurement Purpose: Aid in interpretation of gain scores (i.e., what type and presentation of learning does the gain score represent) Rubric used by scorers

Factor 3: Instructional Design & Implementation Educational Purposes Link instructional design to learning objectives Encourage teachers to design challenging lessons that: Impact learning for all students Address different learning styles Incorporate a wide range of reading abilities Incorporate technology Use learning centered environment Measurement Purpose: Ensure that teachers understand and use a variety of appropriate instructional strategies Rubric used by scorers

Factor 4: Demonstration of Integration Skills Educational Purposes: Demonstrate the ability to integrate across and within content fields Demonstrate the ability to teach thinking skills Measurement Purpose: Ensure that teachers can facilitate all students’ abilities to understand relationships between subject areas Rubric used by scorers

Factor 5: Analysis of Classroom Learning Environment Educational Purposes: Provide opportunity for teachers to link learning results to classroom efforts Promote teacher reflection on the impact the unit had on individual small group and whole group learning Provide evidence of a sufficient classroom management plan Measurement Purpose: Ensure teachers provide a classroom environment supportive of student interaction in learning activities Rubric used by scorers

Factor 6: Analysis of Assessment Procedures Educational Purposes: Promote link between learning objectives and assessments Encourage the use of different assessment formats Encourage the use of challenging assessments Measurement Purposes: Encourage teachers to avoid using simple knowledge based assessment unless appropriate Teachers can present some representation of calculating student gain scores Rubric used by scorers

Factor 7: Reflection and Self-Evaluation Educational Purposes: Promote analysis and synthesis of all activities Promote professional development Promote a better understanding of the implications for the state assessment and accreditation process on the teacher’s classroom Measurement Purposes: Estimate the degree to which the unit was successful Demonstrate that the teacher can successfully evaluate the effects of his or her choices and actions Rubric used by scorers

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