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Policy and Procedures for Equitable Teacher Distribution

Effective Date: 12/11/2024

Introduction

South Sanpete School District is committed to ensuring that all students have access to effective, experienced, and state-qualified teachers, regardless of their income level or racial/ethnic background. Research has shown that teacher quality is one of the most important factors in student achievement, and that low-income students and minority students are more likely to be taught by ineffective, inexperienced, or out-of-field teachers than their peers. This document outlines the policy and procedures that South Sanpete School District will follow to identify and address any disparities in teacher distribution across schools and classrooms.

Policy Statement

South Sanpete School District provides equitable teacher distribution for all students, in accordance with Section 1112(b)(2) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the state's plan for implementing ESSA. The district will monitor and report on the rates of low-income students and minority students being taught by ineffective, inexperienced, or out-of-field teachers, compared to other students, at the school and district level. The district will also implement strategies to recruit, retain, and support effective, experienced, and state-qualified teachers, especially in high-needs schools and subject areas. The district will allocate resources and provide professional learning opportunities to ensure that all teachers have the skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Procedures
  •       South Sanpete School District will use multiple measures to define and identify ineffective, inexperienced, or out-of-field teachers, based on the state's criteria and the district's evaluation system. The measures may include, but are not limited to, student growth data, classroom observations, student surveys, teacher certification, and years of experience.
  •       South Sanpete School District will collect and analyze data on the distribution of ineffective, inexperienced, and/or out-of-field teachers across schools and classrooms, disaggregated by student group. The district will use the data to identify any gaps or disparities in teacher quality and equitable distribution, and to inform the district's improvement plan.
  •       South Sanpete School District will report the data on teacher distribution and equity to the state, the public, and other school community members, as required by ESSA and the state's plan. The district will also communicate the data and the improvement plan to the district's staff, parents, and community members, and solicit their feedback and input.
  • South Sanpete School District will implement evidence-based strategies to address any gaps or disparities in teacher distribution and equitable distribution, and to improve teacher quality and effectiveness for all students. The strategies may include, but are not limited to, the following:
      •      Providing incentives and support for effective, experienced, and state-qualified teachers to teach in high-need schools and subjects, such as differential pay, mentoring, and career advancement opportunities.
      •      Providing targeted recruitment and hiring practices for high-need schools and subjects, such as partnerships with teacher preparation programs and early hiring opportunities.
      •      Providing ongoing professional learning and coaching for all teachers, especially those who are ineffective, inexperienced, or out-of-field, to enhance their content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and overall competence.
      •      Providing additional resources and support for high-need schools and subjects, such as smaller class sizes, instructional materials, technology, and paraprofessionals.
      •      Providing a positive and collaborative school culture and climate, where teachers are valued, respected, and empowered to make decisions that affect their instruction and students' learning.

The district will monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of the strategies on teacher distribution and equitable distribution, and on student outcomes. The district will use multiple sources of data and feedback to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the strategies, and to make adjustments as needed.

pdfGCH_Policy_and_Procedures_for_Equitable_Teacher_Distribution.pdf