Background:

At the conclusion of the 2012 Legislative Session, Governor Early Ray Tomblin signed House Bill (HB) 4236 regarding Educator Evaluation. The purpose of the legislation is to create a comprehensive infrastructure that routinely supports a continuous process for improving teaching and learning. This legislation significantly impacted the Beginning Mentor Teacher/Principal Program grant award beginning in 2013-14 and gives counties flexibility to combine their mentoring funds with other funding sources to complete this support system. It also initiated the following key provisions:

* June 2012 - The West Virginia Board of Education adopted guidelines for "System of Support for Improving Professional Practice" (WVSIPP) http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies/professional-practices-implementation-guidelines.doc

* October 2012 - The Division of Educator Quality and System Support convened a District Stakeholder Workgroup to create the template (below) for districts to submit their WVSIPP Plans and share their current work around supporting teachers.

* January 2013 - The Office of School Improvement finalized the template and placed examples of county practices and plans (below).

* March 15, 2013 - Plans to be developed by each district using the template (below) and submitted as an attachment to lnbragg@access.k12.wv.us

* July 1, 2013 - Plans that do not meet the required components must be revised and resubmitted for approval.