With the security of student’s personal information being pushed to the forefront of the district’s goals, schools are also looking for ways to make teacher evaluation data less vulnerable.
That’s why the Board of Education unanimously voted to approve a new system called Talent Ed for its teacher and administrator evaluation plans.
The web-based platform is specifically designed for kindergarten through high school educators and aims to improve efficiency in observation and evaluation by reducing paperwork and simplifying record keeping.
“Data security at all levels is extremely important and our evaluation plans are no different,” said Karen Dewing, the district’s director of personnel, who presented the data management protocols to the board.
“We have to ensure that these evaluations — the different attachments and other documents that come with them — are protected electronically from anyone trying to get into the system,” she added.
The system includes all the necessary evaluation forms and has been customized to include Ridgefield’s observation rubrics with the district’s “Core 8” components, according to Ms. Dewing.
Board member Michael Raduazzo wondered if Talent Ed would be granted access to students’ personal information.
“They’re being evaluated on things such as test scores which have individual information that’s name specific,” he said. “Is there any concern this will be shared on the platform and they will have access to it.”
Ms. Dewing responded that no student information would be accessible through Talent Ed.
“They will keep all identifiable student data confidential,” she said.