Using Authentic Assessmentin your Hiring Process

David G. Title, SuperintendentBloomfield Public SchoolsBloomfield, CT

AASPA Annual ConferenceHartford, ConnecticutOctober 13, 2009

An Effective Selection System:

Maximizes the probability that the best qualified candidate will be offered the position.

Is Criteria Driven Is Systematic and Consistent Is Legal Is Comprehensive

An Effective Selection System:

Uses well-trained screeners/interviewers– Could be a variety of individual roles

Treats all applicants with respect (first impressions are critical)

Includes appropriate and thorough background checks (not discussed here)

Benefits of an Effective Selection Process

Greatest chance that the most-qualified applicant in the pool has been offered the position

Security of knowing that a criteria-driven system, systematically applied, has the best chance of withstanding legal challenges

Provides a more forceful shield from political challenges

Best Return on Recruiting Investment

Steps in a Comprehensive Selection System:

Identify openings Identify criteria Rate applications to identify who is invited to initial

in-person screening (Ten minute interview option) Select & train screening committee members Set up and conduct the first in-person screening Identify candidates for second screening, including

demonstration lesson, writing and follow up interview.

Steps in a Comprehensive Selection System:

Make hiring decisions Notify successful candidates by telephone as

soon as possible Notify unsuccessful candidates in writing as

soon as positions are filled Conduct debriefing session with selection

team members (what happened and why)

“Yeah, but it takes too long”

Time does matter Do the whole process but do it quickly Number of applicants determines how long

the process will take How much time will it take to remediate the

problem if you use sloppy hiring practices? A comprehensive process demonstrates a

seriousness of purpose to top candidates

Conditions Necessary for Successful Implementation

Support of the Superintendent Board of Education Support (no cronies) Volunteers from among staff and others A designated leader for each search See Handout “Duties of the Selection Team

Leader”

A Criteria Driven Process

What are the skills and characteristics needed in the ideal candidate for this position?

Usually done by administration Drives rest of process Legal protection and good practice Customized to each position and/or school (not

generic) May be objective or subjective When you do not select criteria……..a mess! Activity: Set Criteria for a Position

Assessing Criteria

Use of Rating Sheets by position Some can be determined by paper screening Some can be assessed in the interview Some need authentic assessment, including

teaching a demonstration lesson. Activity: Assessing the criteria

Advantages to Process

There is a system that is consistently applied to all applicants even if decentralized

Individual whims of selection team members are minimized in favor of criteria-based judgments

Clear, established ground rules are easier to follow YOU ensure the system is followed consistently

Training the Selection Teams

How to conduct an interview Legal issues in the hiring process How to write interview questions Role of the site based team vs. role of the

central office & Human Resources Role of each individual on the team Establish ground rules such as confidentiality Voting vs. consensus

Follow Good Interview Procedures

All candidates are asked same set of predetermined questions

Everyone assigned questions and order Assigned greeter and introducer Run on time Make eye contact; take notes; use names; smile See Handout “The Interview” and “Do’s and Don’ts of

Interviewing” Activity: Advantages/Disadvantages of Interviews

Good Interview Questions

Are relevant to the pre-established criteria for the position

Maximize use of allotted time (non-trivial) Help distinguish among candidates Open-ended with no implied correct answers Provide new information not available

elsewhere Legal (see handout “20 Questions to Avoid”)

Why use Authentic Assessment?

Limitations on paper screening and traditional interviews

Link back to the criteria established for the position

Teachers will never interview with us again after they are hired (probably)

Helps withstand political pressures

Sample of Authentic Assessments

Scenarios Case studies Simulations Evaluate student writing samples (could be

sent in advance)

Samples of Authentic Assessments

Video analysis (principals, writing station) Prepare a talk (principals; advance) Unit Design (secondary) In Box activity (principals) Logistics – the Round Robin Activity: Share authentic assessments

Why The Demonstration Lesson?

Limits of paper screening and the traditional, structured interview

Interview questions become targeted to specific, observable behaviors

We hire people to teach students, not interview with adults

Local political pressures are more easily withstood

Teaching a Demonstration Lesson

Lesson of your choice Stay within the time limits (30 min max) Bring a lesson plan Tell candidate grade level and number of students Candidate may call principal or teacher Process lasts two hours, including writing a reflection

on the lesson (explain all parts) Activity: Share practices with demo lessons

Benefits of an Effective Selection Process

Meaningful involvement of staff and/or others in the school system without ceding too much control

Allows for a decentralized system of hiring while still maintaining control of a quality process

Eye opening experience for participating teachers – Could I do as well?

Most importantly, it gives you the best chance of hiring the best candidate!

You believe the time is worth it; otherwise, adjust!

Contact Information:

David G. Title

Superintendent of Schools

Bloomfield Public Schools

Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002

(860) 769-4211

dtitle@blmfld.org

www.bloomfieldschools.org