Overview
In July 2021, the PESB board approved adding a curriculum and instruction component to their ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs. We have designed the new review model to align with our existing review practices through a structure that programs will find familiar and manageable. PESB is committed to prioritizing the following values while implementing and guiding the curriculum and instruction review process:
- High standards for preparation programs
- Program improvement and accountability
- Opportunities for reflection and growth
- Clear expectations and manageable timelines
- Educator and student success
In 2022, PESB convened the Standards, Approval, and Review (SAR) committee. The committee and subcommittee members represented the needs of their various preparation program providers and partners. Over the course of five meetings, they provided input on the alignment and implementation of state policies, processes, and systems related to preparation program standards, approval and review. In January 2023, PESB Board members reviewed and supported the recommendations from the SAR committee. Members further discussed and guided PESB staff regarding the implementation of their recommendations.
One SAR committee recommendation was to ensure a learning period before implementing the Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) review. SAR committee members suggested and the Board supported implementation of a new Community of Practice. As a result, in 2023, PESB launched the Community of Practice, including professional learning community modules and a formative review process to lay the foundation for the upcoming C&I review. As part of the Community of Practice, PESB has also partnered with educator preparation programs to develop program review rubrics, which will be used during formative reviews and refined based on program and reviewer feedback after each formative review.
Curriculum and Instruction review for principal and teacher preparation programs will begin in the 2025-26 school year.
The new review model responds to several legislative changes surrounding educator preparation programs, including upholding social-emotional learning standards (2020), implementing culturally responsive pedagogical practices (2021), and eliminating the edTPA as a state-required assessment (2021).
Curriculum and instruction review is designed to complement and enhance the current program review structures. Is does not replace initial review and indicator-based review models.
Goals
- Evaluate whether and to what degree teacher and principal preparation programs’ practices ensure that each candidate is prepared to model culturally responsive pedagogies (2021 cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion standards).
- Ensure each teacher candidate is prepared to implement the Since Time Immemorial curriculum.
- Ensure that each candidate is prepared to uphold social-emotional learning standards.
- Ensure that each candidate’s preparation and performance, in both coursework and field experiences, are aligned with inTASC teacher or NELP building-level administrator standards.
Structure and implementation
The curriculum and instruction review model will be consistent with the Board’s current review practices. However, unlike initial review and annual performance indicators which examine every domain, the curriculum and instruction review model will only focus on domains 2 and 6 of the PESB program standards.
Review activities
- Programs will submit their required evidence into shared digital folders.
- A review team will analyze the evidence and conduct focused interviews with program faculty, program leaders, and other key personnel to gather information about practices focused on standards 2 and 6.
- The review team will then prepare a report describing the degree to which programs are meeting the standards 2 and 6.
- Programs will have the opportunity to speak to the report findings and respond to board members’ questions at a board meeting within six months of their review.
All meetings will be convened in a virtual format to reduce the costs and burdens associated with travel.
Review team composition
In accordance with WAC 181-78A-100, review teams for the curriculum and instruction review will consist of the following members:
- One PESB staff member to serve as review chair (not in an evaluative role)
- At least two representatives from peer preparation programs
- At least one P-12 practitioner familiar with the program/provider
- At least one member of the program’s Professional Educator Advisory Board (PEAB)
- Two individuals with expertise related to culturally responsive practice and social and emotional learning*
*The curriculum and instruction review model is still in development. PESB staff are seeking recommendations to fill these roles. If you or someone you know might be interested in serving on a review team, please connect with us to learn more.
