ESC leading drive for superintendent evaluation system

The ESC of Central Ohio is part of a growing effort to introduce a standards-based superintendent evaluation system in Ohio.

The evaluation follows a standards-based superintendent job description created in 2009 by a statewide committee of school board members, superintendents and university faculty.

The ESC has collaborated with the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), the Wallace Foundation, and the Ohio Department of Education to develop the evaluation and pilot it in 23 school districts around the state.

The resulting Ohio Superintendents Evaluation System (OSES) has been built on the identification of five key standards for effective superintendent performance.

Superintendent Standards:

• Vision, continuous improvement, and focus on district work
• Effective communication and collaborative skill
• Creation and management of effective policies and governance practices
• Creation of instructional systems design for high student achievement
• Organization of district resources (human, physical, operational and material

Creation of a Standards Based Job Description with representative elements:

The OSES planning committee then created a “standards-based job description” that included examples of the five standards with “representative elements”; a detailed, richer articulation of tasks essential to the position.

Having identified a standards’ based job description, the OSES committee then proceeded to develop and field-test the process that could now evaluate a superintendent against a series of benchmarks deemed essential to success in the position.

Key Components of the Ohio Superintendents’ Evaluation System:

1. Develop a standards-based job description tailored to the local school district using the five core standards as a framework. The job description is defined as tasks and responsibilities that are “ongoing."
2. Identification of annual district objectives with the creation of work plans. Annual objectives are defined as specific tasks assigned to the Superintendent capable of being completed within the academic year. This includes preparing a “work plan” that details activities, timelines, and resources necessary for the successful completion of the objective.
3. Conduct a formative assessment mid-year for the superintendent based upon the job description and annual objectives. The formative assessment is designed to shape the interaction between Superintendent and Board around predetermined standards; is non-punitive, provides opportunity for coaching, and can include artifacts and exemplars to affirm key accomplishments.
4. Conducting an end of the year summative evaluation; a narrative written summary of performance measured against the job description and annual objectives. The summative written evaluation eliminates a numerical grading system.

The Center for Achievement & Leadership Services at the ESC has worked closely with BASA to pilot OSES programs throughout Ohio. For the 2010-2011 school year, there will be funding for 30 school districts to participate in the process. Participant reaction from the pilot groups has been enthusiastic. A current board president has written to say  “It  (OSES) refocused the agenda of the school district (around) measureable objectives and precise standards for the superintendent.”

In an era of standards based performance, the OSES process provides a framework for organizational achievement at the executive and policy level that can be benchmarked and assessed in a coherent and straightforward manner.

For more information contact Dr. Ralph Johnson, director of leadership, at ralph.johnson@escco.org.