HumRRO's Race to the Top

Proposed Federal Selection Criteria

HumRRO’s Research Contributions and Capabilities

A. Standards and Assessments

A1 Developing and adopting common standards

HumRRO works with states to align standards and develop performance level descriptors. Our research shows that measurement influences instruction both in positive and negative ways. This makes quality assessments key to educational success. HumRRO supports the philosophy that we should build tests that are worth teaching toward. We support the use of innovative test items and multiple measures that allow students to demonstrate achievement in multiple ways.

A2 Developing and implementing common, high-quality assessments

A3 Supporting transition to enhanced standards and high-quality assessments

B. Data Systems to Support Instruction

B1 Fully implementing a statewide longitudinal data system

Useful data are data from which valid inferences can be drawn. Data systems require careful elaboration of objectives and clear rationales for how specific data elements can meet those objectives. HumRRO’s research scientists build systems of inference that inform theories of action. We build data systems to support those inferences and evaluate outcomes at the student, teacher, school, district, and state level.

B2 Accessing and using State data

B3 Using data to improve instruction

C. Great Teachers and Leaders

C1 Providing alternative pathways for aspiring teachers and principals

HumRRO is a leader in the field of personnel assessment and as such, is uniquely suited to evaluate teacher and principal effectiveness. We have developed valid and reliable performance measurement systems for a wide range of occupations. We develop defensible systems for making serious personnel decisions that lead to successful outcomes. We conduct evaluations that relate educator behaviors to student achievement. HumRRO also routinely builds student growth scales and understands their complexity.

C2 Differentiating teacher and principal effectiveness based on performance

Selection Criteria

HumRRO’s Research Contributions and Capabilities

C3 Ensuring equitable distribution of effective teachers and principals

HumRRO has a long-standing reputation in researching, designing, developing, and implementing valid and legally defensible selection, promotion, and pay systems. Such systems have direct applications to the emerging concerns regarding equity in the distribution of educational personnel. Often, educational professional development is not targeted to pressing needs. HumRRO pioneered the “systems approach to training” in which developmental activities are carefully selected to meet particular needs. Clear diagnosis of professional development priorities and a solid plan for reinforcing newly acquired skills are critical to meet the goals of improving classroom instruction and promoting effective school leadership. The effectiveness of professional development must necessarily be evaluated to gauge progress toward those goals.

C4 Reporting the effectiveness of teacher and principal preparation programs

C5 Providing effective support to teachers and principals

D. Turning Around Struggling Schools

D1 Intervening in the lowest-performing schools and LEAs

HumRRO’s work regarding struggling schools has centered on the evaluation of effective practices in schools achieving beyond their expectations. High-performing, high-poverty schools exist, as do high-performing teachers or programs in otherwise ineffective schools. Lessons learned from unexpected successes can inform school improvement.

D2 Increasing the supply of high quality charter schools

D3 Turning around struggling schools

E. Overall Selection Criteria

E1 Demonstrating significant progress

HumRRO routinely monitors state-level achievement trends and gaps for all states. Careful monitoring of these trends will be vital to ensure that reform efforts are effective and that the Race to the Top program is achieving its goals. HumRRO considers itself a partner with our state clients. Our research and evaluation experience add to the capacity of states to implement, broaden, and sustain their plans. Our involvement with states tends to be long-term, and our clients count on HumRRO for advice and assistance as they strive to improve their education systems.

E2 Making education funding a priority

E3 Enlisting statewide support and commitment

E4 Raising achievement and closing gaps

E5 Building strong statewide capacity to implement, scale, and sustain proposed plans

Arthur Thacker, PhD
Program Manager,
Validity Investigations for Education and the Workplace

Sheila R. Schultz, PhD
Program Manager,
Education Policy Impact Center

athacker@humrro.org

sschultz@humrro.org

502-339-9331 x 107

703-706-5661