The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and CTAC are partnering on a statewide initiative to implement Student Learning Objectives (SLOs). SLOs are one of four options in Texas that may be used to measure student growth as a component of teacher evaluation. The state selected SLOs for their focus on strengthening teachers' instructional and pedagogical skills. SLOs are being piloted in 11 districts during the 2015-2016 school year, will be further refined in 2016-2017, and then rolled out statewide in 2017-2018.

A key to success in any statewide initiative, particularly in a state with more than 1,000 school districts, is to get it right from the outset. To this end, TEA is committed to learning with and from the pilot districts to inform the initiative as it goes forward. In addition to providing feedback for refinement of the SLO process, districts in the pilot have the opportunity to:

• Participate actively in comprehensive SLO training from content experts;
• Receive continued SLO support throughout the pilot year to assist in implementation; and
• Customize policies and procedures to fit their specific local context.

CTAC is providing in-depth SLO training for the pilot district's instructional leaders, principals, teachers, and Educational Service Center (ESC) personnel. Additionally, broader implementation support training will be provided to all 20 ESCs.

If you would like to learn more about this Texas pilot, visit www.teaslopilot.com or contact Tim Regal in the TEA Division of Educator Leadership and Quality. To discuss including SLOs in your new evaluation or compensation systems, please contact CTAC at (617) 423-1444 or [email protected].