Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in SC - Part I: Who

Which SC educators must do student learning objectives starting in SY 15-16? 

In South Carolina, principals and some teachers will be required to have value-added measures (VAM) as the "student growth" component of their evaluations. (See the box in the June 24 post.) 

All other "educators" will be required to use Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) to demonstrate "student growth." "Educator" is defined as "any individual who works in one or more South Carolina public schools in a position that requires licensure [aka a certificate] by the South Carolina State Board of Education." The guidelines specify that "all other educators" includes: 

• Other classroom-based teachers (in the non-statewide tested grades and subjects)
• Speech-language therapists
• School guidance counselors
• Library media specialists
• "etc." (Does that include assistant principals? District office staff?)

The ESEA waiver requires that the revised educator evaluation system be in place by the start of SY 14-15, but the S.C. Department of Education has requested an extension on implementing SLOs until SY 15-16. 

Even if the extension is granted, teachers, schools and districts should begin planning now for implementation of SLOs next school year. Tips on planning are available courtesy of the Ad Hoc Educator Evaluation Group (educators, PSTA, SCASA, SCEA, SCSBA) funded by SCASA and Palmetto State Teachers Association. The SCEA has obtained a grant to develop and provide SLO training in SC.

Up next: SLOs in SC - Part II: What