19 May 2015
Brief

Essential Components of Student Learning Objectives Implementation: A Practice Brief

Lisa Lachlan-Haché, Marina Castro, Lauren Matlach, and Ellen Cushing

Student learning objectives (SLOs) have become the preferred measure of student growth in many new systems of teacher evaluation and compensation. The SLO approach to measuring student growth is evolving and taking on new forms throughout the United States, and most states and districts would probably agree that SLO implementation is a challenging endeavor. From communicating business rules to monitoring systems for continuous improvement, Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) districts must anticipate needs, refine thinking, and deliver quality To support TIF districts in these critical steps, this document offers a framework for thinking strategically through the core components of SLO implementation.

This SLO practice brief builds upon a companion document titled Essential Components of Student Learning Objectives Implementation: A Checklist. Both documents aim to assist states and districts in the implementation of SLOs by providing practical steps for building a sustainable system of developing and measuring student growth.

The following implementation elements support rigor, comparability, and sustainability in the SLO process Each element is described in greater detail in the following pages:

  • Engage stakeholders and develop a vision of sustainability. Recognize that the use of SLOs may represent a shift in educator practice. To build a sustainable culture that supports implementation, consider the obstacles that lie ahead, develop teacher confidence in the SLO process, and create a coherent vision of the value of the SLO process in an effort to build a sustainable culture of SLO use.
  • Provide policies, examples, and resources. Effective implementation requires resources that promote rigor, consistency, and clarity across schools or districts.
  • Pilot and scale up with training and rater calibration. Offer ongoing training to assure rigor and consistency throughout schools and districts.
  • Communicate and monitor for continuous improvement. Monitor, triangulate, and communicate the implementation process to promote the rigor, discussion, and reflection that lead to insightful, systemic revisions.

Related Work

19 Apr 2015
Guide

What We Know About SLOs: An Annotated Bibliography of Research on and Evaluations of Student Learning Objectives

A companion piece to The Art and Science of Student Learning Objectives: A Research Synthesis, this annotated bibliography provides brief summaries of individual studies conducted in nine states and districts, highlighting general research context and questions, study methodology, and key findings.
Topic: 
Education, Teacher Preparation and Performance
15 Jul 2013
Toolkit

Student Learning Objectives Database

Student learning objectives (SLOs) are emerging as one measure to assess teachers' contributions to student growth in educator evaluation systems. To support states and districts in developing and implementing SLOs, the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders is curating a searchable collection of SLO resources.

Topic: 
Education, Teacher Preparation and Performance
18 May 2015
Brief

The Art and Science of Student Learning Objectives: A Research Synthesis

Student learning measures have rapidly become common in teacher evaluation systems across the United States. This report provides an overview of key findings from the nearly 20 studies of SLO measures that have been conducted to date, along with considerations for future research and for practice.
Topic: 
Education, Teacher Preparation and Performance

Further Reading