The State Board of Education approved the formation of the Teaching in Kansas Commission II (TIKC II) during their June meeting.  The Commission is being formed to address the requirement of Principle 3 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility waiver. Principle 3 requires the State Education Agency (SEA) to develop and adopt guidelines for teacher and principal evaluation stystems which include student growth as a significant factor.  Meeting the first part of the Principle 3 of "developing and adopting guidelines for teacher and principal evaluation" is well underway with the Kansas Educator Evaluation Protocol (KEEP).  The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) began the process of developing a statewide model evaluation system in 2010 with the assistance of Educational Testing Services (ETS).  KEEP was piloted in 34 schools (17 districts) in the 2011-2012 school year.  Pilot 2 will begin in August 2012 with additional districts and schools.

The second part of Principle 3 requires the evaulation system to include student growth as a significant factor.  This will be the focus of the TIKC II.  Multiple valid measures will be examined including achievement on state assessments, observations, peer observations, professional growth, self-reflection, student voice, parent voice, and others.

The Commission will consist of educators from Pilots 1 and 2, board member appointees, representatives from educational organizations, and higher education.  The total number of members on the Commission will be limited to no more than 30 to allox for rich dialogue.  Membership will be carefully selected to represent all constituencies.  Members will be encouraged to communicate to their groups as to the progress of the work of the Commission.

A preliminary report will be given to the State Board of Education in December 2012 with a final recommendation in late spring/early summer of 2013.