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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget my log
in or password?
Your log in is your email address. If you forget your password, you may email
your PDS Coordinator to obtain that information.
During the first part
of the Phase I semester, interns do more observing and assisting than planning,
delivering, and assessing instruction. How should they be rated when there are
limited opportunities to observe their teaching?
During the first part of Phase I, interns will probably receive many ratings
of "Not Applicable" (N/A). During the second scoring (late Phase I)
there still may be a few N/As, but interns will be active enough in the classroom
to receive a rating in most standards. During the Phase II semester, interns
should receive ratings for all standards.
Is a comment required
for a "Needs Improvement" score?
Yes. In order to better understand the reasoning behind this rating and to help
improve the intern's performance, it is important that a score of "needs
improvement" be accompanied by comments. The comments should explain what
has been observed and include ideas for what the intern can do to improve.
What should be written
in the comment fields at the end of each section of the assessment?
These areas provide an opportunity for explanation and elaboration of the ratings.
Specific comments are more helpful than general statements. For example:
"She is a hard worker." (This comment is too general.)
"She is well planned and often stays after school to gather appropriate
resources for lessons." (This specific comment is more helpful.)
Information in the comments sections allows interns to better understand the
ratings and provides guidance for future performance.
When are interns expected
to "meet expectations"?
Typically, an intern is not expected to "meet expectations" until
the Phase II semester. "Meets expectations" implies that the behaviors
observed are consistently observed over time. During the Phase I semester, the
intern's teaching load is lighter and it is difficult to assess whether intern
performance during a single observation will continue at that level when interns
are asked to take on more responsibilities.
Can the assessment be
used to record thoughts and comments throughout the quarter?
Yes. It may be helpful to use the document to record thoughts about intern performance
throughout each quarter. Then, at the end of the quarter, those comments can
be refined and revised into the final submission. If the assessment is used
in this way, it is important to click "save to complete later" after
adding comments or ratings to the assessment. Until "final submit"
is selected, the comments will not become finalized. Comments will not be able
to be viewed by interns until after "final submit".
Can information be changed
once it has been submitted?
No. Once a mentor teacher selects "final submit", information cannot
be changed. It is important to be sure that ratings and comments are complete
and correct prior to submitting. If there is a problem with what has been submitted,
contact the PDS Coordinator immediately.
How are interns involved
in the performance assessment process?
Interns complete a self-assessment prior to each quarterly conference using
the same instrument as mentor teachers. This self-assessment focuses interns
on the standards and allows them to reflect on their own performance. After
each quarterly conference, interns complete a self-reflection that includes
a summary of the conference and goal-setting for the upcoming semester.
Can an intern see his/her
own assessments?
Yes. An intern can view the assessments completed by his/her mentor teacher,
but cannot view information about any other intern.
When should each quarterly
assessment be completed?
Quarterly assessments should be completed at least two days prior to the scheduled
quarterly conference. This will allow the FBI to access the information and
review it prior to the conference.
How should the intern,
FBI, and mentor teacher use the document to prepare for the quarterly conference?
The mentor teacher should complete the assessment at least two days prior to
the conference. The FBI will access the assessment and review it prior to the
scheduled conference. The intern will complete a self-assessment prior to the
conference.
Should the mentor teacher
bring a copy of the completed assessment to the conference?
Yes. It is helpful to have a printed copy for reference throughout the conference.
A printed copy only serves to help conference participants. The online copy
is the official record of the assessment.
Should there be signatures
on the printed copy?
No. Submitting the assessment into the system can only be done by the mentor
teacher with an authorized log in and password. This serves as the official
assessment. A printed copy does not need to be submitted.
How can the use of the
document enhance quarterly conferences?
When completed and/or viewed prior to the conference, participants enter the
conference with a recent review of critical performance standards. The assessment
provides a framework for the conference; however, should not be read as a script.
The mentor teacher and FBI should use the document to discuss strengths and
weaknesses, or to highlight concerns.
What is the responsibility
of the intern after the conference?
After each conference, the intern is asked to write a summary of the conference,
reflect on the discussions, and set goals for the upcoming quarter.
Who should be contacted
if problems are encountered with the assessment instrument?
School-based personnel and interns should first contact the school site coordinator.
If the site coordinator is unable to assist with the problem, the PDS Coordinator
should be contacted. University-based personnel should contact the PDS Coordinator.
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