Approve the Sole-Source Recommendation and Contract With "Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education (VAL-ED)" from Discovery of Education Assessment (Sole-Source Provider) (Business Division)

The Vanderbilt Assessment for Leadership in Education (VAL-ED), distributed by Discovery Education, is a researched-based evaluation tool that measures the effectiveness of school leaders by providing a detailed assessment of a principal's perceived performance. VAL-ED focuses on learning-centered leadership behaviors that influence teachers, staff, and most importantly, student achievement. VAL-ED is a 360 degree assessment, intended to be taken by not only the principal, but by teachers and the principal’s supervisor, ensuring that the very best feedback is given to principals. Researchers have identified VAL-ED as the best instrument to use for principal effectiveness.

This 360 degree instrument will be used as part of each principal's evaluation. The area director and all teachers will complete the form in order to provide input.  In 2010, this survey will be administered for feedback only. It will become evaluative beginning in 2010/2011.

* Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals, * Demonstrate best financial practices

The total cost of $82,000 is budgeted in the first year of the Empowering Effective Teachers Grant and is subject to renew annually over the course of the grant.