Focus on Rhode Island: Student Learning Objectives and Evaluation

In this report, the Community Training and Assistance Center assessed the implementation of student learning objectives (SLOs) as part of the new teacher evaluation system in Rhode Island. The analysis in this report is based on surveys of teachers and principals in 10 districts, interviews, document review, and observation of trainings. From the findings of this study, state officials emphasized that the new evaluation and SLOs provide teachers meaningful opportunity for teaching improvement. However, teachers do not agree that the primary intent of SLOs is continuous improvement of teaching and learning and that the accountability features trump the continuous improvement goals.