Grande Prairie Public School District #2357

Teacher Evaluation
For teacherc who hold a Permment Professional Certifrcate

Name:

Cassie Kurz

Evaluator:

Sheryl Cowcill Tracey Farn

Context of Teaching:

This is Ms. Kuz' first year teaching at I.V. Macklin. She is

teaching a Grade 4 class with 24 students. She comes to
us with three years of teaching Grade 3 and one year at
the Grade 1 level. The students in this classroom present
with a variety of learning needs, including one boy with
severe learning and behavior challenqes.
The primary purpose of this evaluation is to determine
whether Ms. Kuz'teaching practice meets the
expectations of the Teacher Quality Standard for Alberta.

Basis of Evaluation:

The

Alberta Teachinq Oualitv Standard

descriptors
comprise
a repertoire of selected btowledge, skills and attributes lrom
following

which teachers who hold a Perrmanent Professionol Cefiifrcote should be able to drqw, as
situations'warran| in order to meet the Teaching Suality Standod.

KSA-a

'

Teacher's application of pedagogical knowledge, skills and attributes is based in their

ongoing analysis of contextual variables.

Through discussion with and observation of Ms. Kuz, it is evident that she has
looked closely at the contextual variables when making judgements and decisions
about which specific pedagogical skills and abilities to apply in order for students to
achieve optimum leaming. Ms. Kuz looks carefully at individual learning needs of her
students as well as their social needs as expressed by previous teachers when
planning for the year.
Ms. Kuz has a clear understanding of her responsibilities as a teacher. She works to
engage all her students making certain they all feel safe, cared for and supported in
the classroom.

Teachers understand the legistated, moral and ethical frameworkwithin which they

worlc

Ms. Kurz holds a Permanent ProfessionalTeaching Certificate. She understands the

moral and ethicalframeworks within which she works. She is committed to using
techniques and practices that meet the school's quality standards while meeting tne
individual needs of the students.

KSA-c

Teacheru understand the subject disciplines they teach.

Ms. Kurz has worked hard this year to develop a good understand the Grade Four Curriculum.
She works collaboratively with her Grade level parfrrer using the hogranr of Studies to
develop her unit plans.

KSA-d

Teachers know there are many approaches to teaching and learning.

Ms. Kurz used inforrration collected from early assessments to make decisions around the
structure of her class and groupings for instruction. She uses a variety of instuctional
shategies combined with small group instruction to deliver programing to the students.

KSA-e

Teachers engage in a range of planning activities.

Ms. Kurz developed Long Range Plans for her year in Grade Four early in September. Since
then she has rearranged, reconsidered and restucfured her planning as the year has
progressed. As she developed a better understanding of the learning needs and personalities
she has implemented different classroom management techniques and continually works to
improve her practices.

KSA-f

Teachen create and maintain environments that are conducive to student learning.
Ms. Kurz has created a classroom that is conducive to learning. The learning environment in
Ms. Kurz classroom allows the students to feel supported in every way, physically,
emotionally and socially. She holds the students accountable for their behaviours and spends
time teaching them how to be cooperative, productive students.

KSA-g

Teachers translate curriculum content and objectives into meaningful learning

activities.
Ms. Kurz clearly communicates, verbally, short and long range expectations to her students.
They understand the expectations and sometimes know the criteria for success. Students are
engaged in meaningful activities that motivate and challenge them. The activities presented
may vary depending on student need.

KSA-h

Teachers apply a variety of technologies to meet students, needs.

Ms. Kurz uses a variety of learning resources in her delivery of curriculum. She uses visual,
auditory, tactile medi'tms to engage her students. Ms. Kurz keeps abreast of advances in
teaching and learning technologies. She utilizes the iPads and computers when appropriate.

KSA.i

Teacherc gather and use information about students' learning needs and progress.
Ms. Kurz has looked at each student as an individual and has used different approaches and
strategies to meet the needs of these individuals. She has used a variety of diagnostic methods
that include observing and analyzing student work, formal and informal assessments and
interviews with students, to inform her instruction.
Ms. Kurz uses many varied instructional stategies. She has continued to build upon her
knowledge of Daily Five and has incorporated individual and small group instruction into her
daily reading and writing program.
She has struggled to develop within her students a deep understanding of some of the math
concepts. This is one area where Ms. Kurz has thought carefully about individual learning
styles to provide differentiated instruction to meet individual needs.

KSA-j

Teachers establish and maintain partnerships among school, home and community
within their own school.
As the year progressed, Ms. Kurz, has called upon the "experts" within our school and the
District for advice with planning and programming when presented with a struggling student.
She was quick to identifu students in need and did what was necessary to ensure that each

child met with success.

Ms. Kurz kept in close contact with parents through the use of email, web page, Class DoJo,
phone contact and meetings as necessary.

KSA-k

Teachers are career-long learners.

Ms. Kurz has engaged in ongoing professional development throughout the year. She is
always looking for infonnation that will strengthen her understanding of best practices and to
enhance her pedagogical knowledge.

Commendations:
Ms. Kurz has been a welcome addition to I.V. Macklin School this year. Her calm
manner and thoughtful planning have helped her deal with her rather challenging class. Besides
having several very active boys, with various individual needs, Ms. Kurz embraced a high needs
boy with a brain injury that displayed some very challenging behavior issues. Ms. Kurz showed
quick thinking flexibility, positivity and consistent leadership in dealing with this delightful but
demanding child.

Areas for Growth:

Ms. Kurz is always adjusting and readjusting her teaching practices to meet the needs
of her students. During this year she has identified some areas in which she desires more insight.
She has adjusted her classroom management plan. She has investigated more effective ways of
differentiating her lessons. She has worked with the support teacher on implementing Individual
goals and providing adaptations so students can meet curriculum requiremints.

l'

Recommendations:
In my opinion at this time and in this assignment Ms. Kurz'professional practice meet
expectations contained in the Teaching Quality Standard for teachers with a Permanent
Professional Certificate. Ms. Kurz is recommended for a continuous contact should a
position exist.

I have had the opportunity to read and discuss this report with the evaluator:
Teacher's

Signature:

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Evaluator's Signature:

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Date:--t lnz

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