The Student Performance Measure (SPM) is initiated by the teacher and includes an Action Plan, Mid-Year Progress Update, and Year-End Update.
According to PDE, all professional classroom teachers are required to complete an SPM. An SPM is a process designed to facilitate active participation in the evaluation process while:
- aligning an identified student challenge or need to related school-level objectives and/or LEA-level priorities
- encouraging instructional innovation based on latest research and trends, and
- improving educator practice
On the 13-1 summative rating form, an SPM fulfills the LEA Selected Measure requirement and accounts for at least 10% of the teachers final score.
If needed, a teacher may complete more than one SPM each year.
For examples from the field, visit the Department of Education's SAS Portal.
Note - Under Act 13, all professional classroom teachers are required to complete an SPM. In addition, all professional classroom teachers that meet the LEA's 'n'count are required to complete an IEP Goals Progress.
Table Of Contents
Tutorials
Slideshow: Student Performance Measures (SPM) - Overview for Teachers/NTPs
Slideshow: Student Performance Measures (SPM) - Overview for Principals/Supervisors
Step-by-Step Guide
Beginning of the Year
Step 1 - Employee initiates the observation, completes Action Plan... and Submits
Step 2 - Supervisor reviews/adds comments... and Submits. Employee and supervisor meet for the initial conference (optional).
Step 3 - Employee and supervisor sign and approve
Middle of the Year
Step 4 - Employee completes the Mid-Year Update... and Submits
Step 5 - Supervisor reviews/adds comments... and Submits
Step 6 - Employee and supervisor sign and approve
End of the Year
Step 7 - Employee completes the Year-End Update... and Submits
Step 8 - Supervisor reviews and selects final rating
Step 9 - Employee and supervisor sign and approve
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is a Student Performance Measure (SPM) used for?
- Q: What is the difference between a Student Performance Measure (SPM) and an SLO?
- Q: Does a teacher need to complete both a Student Performance Measure (SPM) and an IEP Goals Progress?
- Q: Who initiates a Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
- Q: What questions are included in a Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
- Q: Can I create a template Student Performance Measure (SPM) for my staff to use?
- Q: Why can't I submit my Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
- Q: How can I view the Student Performance Measure(SPM)'s final rating when completing a 13 Form?
- Q: How do I change the rating on a Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
Q: What is a Student Performance Measure (SPM) used for?
A Student Performance Measure (SPM) fulfills the LEA Selected Measure requirement on the 13-1 summative rating form. The final score earned by the teacher on the SPM constitutes at least 10% of the teacher's final summative score on the 13-1 form.
For more information on Act 13, see below:
- What Teachers Should Know about Act 13 and PAETEP
- What Principals Should Know About Act 13 and PAETEP
- What NTPs Should Know About Act 13 and PAETEP
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket
Q: What is the difference between a Student Performance Measure (SPM) and an SLO?
Under Act 82, the SLO served as the PDE recommended template for teachers. Under Act 13, that has changed. Now, the SPM is the recommended template.
Although the recommended template is the SPM, the SLO may still be used as part of the LEA Selected Measure requirement. This is an LEA decision.
Regardless of the LEA's choice to use the new SPM or SLO process, the final score earned by the teacher constitutes at least 10% of a teacher's final summative score on a 13-1 form.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: Does a teacher need to complete both a Student Performance Measure (SPM) and an IEP Goals Progress?
The completion of an LEA Selected Measure, such as the SPM, is independent and in addition to the completion of an IEP Goals Progress.
All professional classroom teachers must complete an LEA selected measure, and those who meet the district's 'n' count criteria will additionally need to complete an IEP Goals Progress. Learn more about IEP Goals Progress.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: Who initiates a Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
The Student Performance Measure (SPM) is initiated by the teacher. If needed, an SPM can be started for a teacher by a supervisor.
All teachers should initiate an SPM at the beginning of the year to begin the year-long process.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: What questions are included in a Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
The Student Performance Measure (SPM) is divided into three sections: The Beginning of the Year, the Middle of the Year, and the End of the Year.
Beginning of the Year - The employee will complete an Action Plan. The Action Plan contains the following questions.
1. Student Challenge/Need
2. What is the current context, corresponding evidence, and/or anecdotal information that informs your identification of this challenge or need?
3. What is your proposed response?
4. What resources are available to assist you in addressing the student challenge/need?
5. If applicable, what additional expertise, resources, and/or other supports would assist you in meeting the student challenge/need?
6. What action steps will you implement to address this student challenge/need?
7. Framework Domain Alignment
8. Describe the LEA Selected Measure(s).
9. What student performance evidence or artifacts will you use to measure the progress and effectiveness of your response?
10. Describe the specific criteria that will inform the Educator Effectiveness Rating.
Middle of the Year - The employee will complete a Mid-Year Update that asks the following question.
Reflection - Reflect on your success, unanticipated barriers, any supports that could have been useful, and next steps.
End of the Year - The employee will complete a Year-End Update that asks the following question.
Reflection - Reflect on your success, unanticipated barriers, any supports that could have been useful, and next steps.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: Can I create a template Student Performance Measure (SPM) for my staff to use?
If you would like to create a template action plan for your staff to follow when using the Student Performance Measure (SPM), you can do so by creating a Preset.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: Why can't I submit my Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
Please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide for a details as to what steps must be taken in order to submit each portion of the Student Performance Measure (SPM).
Note - Signatures from both the employee and supervisor are required before moving on to the next section of the observation.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: How can I view the Student Performance Measure(SPM)'s final rating when completing a 13 Form?
The Student Performance Measure (SPM)'s final rating will be visible in the quick view panel of a 13-1 form under the LEA Selected Measures section. See image below for details.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
Q: How do I change the rating on a Student Performance Measure (SPM)?
If a Student Performance Measure (SPM) has already been completed, and you would like to change the rating, you can do so by reopening the observation. To reopen, click on the Actions dropdown menu, and select "Reopen".
After reopening the observation, you can go into that observation, select a new rating, and initiate the authentication process once again.
Note - If you would like to change the rating on a Student Performance Measure (SPM) that is not yet completed, you must both authenticate the observation so that it is completed. This will then give you the option to reopen the observation.
If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.
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