Whitman Elementary - Tulsa Public Schools

TLE Objectives and Progress Report – January 31, 2012
• Develop a comprehensive plan to measure student growth in non-tested grades
and subjects. Value added data is only available for teachers in tested grades and
subjects. The district plans on leveraging what is learned from other Gates sites
and technical assistance from our value added provider to develop a way to
measure student growth for other grades and subjects.
• Follow up with recommendations from curriculum implementation audit. The
independent audit was conducted in the fall of 2011 to evaluate how well
district-wide curricular initiatives have been implemented. This information will
assist district leadership which initiatives provide a sizable return on investment,
which may need to be reassessed and/or phased out.
LESSONS LEARNED
• Importance of the collaboration and constant communication with stakeholders is a key
lesson learned. The district would not have been able to garner overwhelming support
for the performance based reduction in force provisions, the exit of ineffective teachers,
and the higher levels of accountability without some carefully cultivated relationships.
• The impact of human capital practices and policies especially during periods of district
restructuring proved to be a significant lesson learned this year. In the midst of school
closures, principals were faced with the complexities of maintaining effective teaching
teams and responding to personnel changes. Our work to improve Human Capital
processes has to continue if we are to effectively support schools.
• As 12 principals exited this year, the district faced a shortage of job ready
administrators. The district is keenly aware of the need for a solid principal pipeline and
has made great strides in developing the talent pool for future positions. With the newly
designed Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, first and second year assistant
principals receive targeted leadership development support and the opportunity to be
considered for future principal posts. Based upon research based models from New
Leaders/New Schools, this pilot will inform the design of a full principal preparation
program.
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