Whitman Elementary - Tulsa Public Schools

etention, and development. The addition of the Human Capital Partner position has provided a cadre
of HC liaisons to quickly respond to the staffing needs of every building principal, as well as support the
implementation of the new evaluation system and the necessary exiting procedures.
Performance-Based Reductions in Force. Another significant achievement that will support the
continued improvements in the District’s Human Capital initiatives is the successful negotiation of
changes to its agreement with the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association that has eliminated the
traditional “first-in-last-out” reduction in force policy. In short, teachers will no longer be released as a
reduction in force due to their lack of seniority. Instead, a teacher’s performance on the TLE
Observation and Evaluation system determines which teacher is laid off in the event of a reduction of
force (RIF).
Due to statutory constraints, the full effect of this policy will not be in place until July 1, 2012.
Until that time, there will be performance-based “bumping” only within a teacher’s classification
(probationary or career). Beginning July 1, 2012, however, the District’s negotiated agreement with
TCTA provides for performance-based RIFs, not tenure-based RIFs. This remarkable policy change will
allow principals to retain their most effective teachers in the event of a RIF, regardless of their years of
experience at the District.
Principals’ Mid-Year Reviews. As explained in more detail in other sections of this response to
the State’s request for information regarding the District’s capacity for school improvement, the
individual mid-year reviews conducted between District leaders and each school’s principal allow for
timely analysis and response to student-focused data—creating a performance-based culture in which
the performance and placement of principals are under constant review.
Among other items, District leaders require that principals present analysis and plans regarding
the following points:
1. Data related to achievement and Career and College Readiness (“CACR”)
• End of Instruction data
• Value Added (school level)
• SRI data (proficient / advanced analysis for OCCT – and for Common Core)
• Explore / PLAN (percentages on track for “CACR”) (3 year trend)
• ACT (percentage on track for CACR – 3 year trend)
• ACE (number of students not meeting ACE in each area)
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