2130 - Program Evaluation Policy

Policy 2130

INSTRUCTION

Program Evaluation

The board shall strive to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in all facets of its operations. In order to achieve this goal, the board shall strive to set forth:

A. A clear statement of expectations and purpose for the district’s instructional programs;

B. A provision for staff, resources and support to achieve the stated expectations and purposes; and

C. A plan for evaluating instructional programs and services to determine how well expectations and purposes are being met.

D. The district will utilize a variety of assessment processes to:

E. Determine the effectiveness of the instructional programs,

F. Assess the progress of individual students in attaining student learning objectives,

G. Diagnose the needs of individual students who are not progressing at their expected rates, and

H. Identify gifted and talented students who are in need of specialized programs. Parent(s) or guardian(s) or patrons who wish to examine any assessment materials may do so by contacting the principal.

Parent(s) or guardian(s) approval is necessary before administering an individual intelligence test or a diagnostic personality test. Parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified of their child’s performance on any test or assessment conducted under the Washington State Assessment Program. No tests or measurement devices containing any questions about a student’s or his or her family’s personal beliefs and practices in family life, morality and religion shall be administered unless the parent(s) or guardian(s) gives written permission for the student to take such test, questionnaire or examination. Each school within the district shall undertake self-study procedures on a regular basis with emphasis given to achieving educational excellence and equity, building stronger links with the community and reaching consensus upon educational expectations. The initial self-study cycle shall be known as cycle 1 and run from the beginning of the 1986-87 school year until the end of the 1990-91 school year. After the initial self-study cycle, cycles of seven (7) years shall follow. For example, cycle 2 shall begin with the 1991-92 school year and run until the end of the 1997- 98 school year. The self-study process shall include an emphasis in the following areas: 

A. The participation of staff, parent(s) or guardian(s), community members, and students where appropriate to their age;

B. A comprehensive assessment of the instructional program, staff, services, learning resources, student activities, and facilities;

C. The implementation of a program for student learning in the essential learning areas of reading, writing, communication, math, science, social studies, health/fitness, the arts, and all other course(s)/subject(s) taught in grades kindergarten through twelve in the common schools. This program shall be reviewed by the building steering committee in accordance with a time schedule the district has established for their self-study. Periodic review shall take place at least every seven years;

D. An analysis of class size and staff patterns within the school district; and

E. The development of a plan for program improvement.

The superintendent shall prepare an annual report which reflects the degree to which district goals and objectives related to the instructional program have been accomplished. The superintendent shall annually review the assessment processes and procedures to determine if the purposes of the evaluation program are being accomplished. Specifically, the district shall adjust its curriculum if student performance under the Washington State Assessment Program indicates the district’s students need assistance in identified areas.

Legal References:
RCW 28A.230 Compulsory Coursework and Activities
WAC 180-52-020 Pupil tests and records – Tests – School district policy in writing
WAC 180-52-030 Pupil tests and records – Certain tests, questionnaires, etc. – Limitations
WAC 180-52-035 Pupil tests and records – Diagnostic personality tests – Parental permission required
WAC 180-53 Educational quality – self-study by school districts

Adoption Date: October 14, 1997