Hello all—
Last year both CCFT and the administration agreed to reopen Article 17 (Evaluation) of the contract. A joint committee has been meeting since last spring to review the article, identify issues, and suggest changes in content and process. First we identified our shared interests such as:
- creating a process that fosters improved instruction through self-reflection and takes into consideration the faculty member’s past goals;
- acknowledging the work full time faculty do as part of their shared governance responsibilities;
- encouraging individuals to have open and honest conversations about their work—both the challenges and rewards;
- linking the rubrics for student, peer, administrator, and self- evaluation metrics more clearly;
- identifying specific issues that need support, remediation, development or correction early, before they become serious problems;
- clarifying the consequences of inadequate performance;
- finding ways to allow time for evaluation meetings that need more discussion and coaching, without adding to the already huge time commitment for supervisors conducting required evaluations.
Earlier this semester you received a survey to respond to proposed changes to this article. Although the response was limited, we appreciated the detailed suggestions, reactions and comments that some of you made. We have incorporated a number of your ideas into the draft. One thing that became clear to the committee is that we had not provided you with an adequate context for the work that we have been doing. So here goes!
We looked at ways to clarify expectations for performance, to provide a supportive opportunity for self-reflection, and to articulate a plan for continuous learning. We wanted to ensure that there was acknowledgement of and support for professional development, and, that coaching and guidance would be provided as needed. We believe that no matter how long we have been educators there is always more to learn–about our disciplines, emerging research on pedagogy, incorporating wise use of technology, meeting the needs of a changing student population, and redressing equity gaps. We recognize that the proposed changes require a shift in orientation for both faculty and administrators. The Cabrillo Strategic Plan has “Professional Engagement and Transformational Learning” as its first goal. A revitalized evaluation vision and process should be one of the important mechanisms for realizing this goal. Please feel free to contact any of the committee members to share your thoughts. We want our recommendations to the negotiating committee to serve us all.
Sincerely, Vicki Fabbri
(Other committee members: Eric Hoffman, Skye Gentile, Teresa Macedo, Conrad Scott Curtis, Maya Bendotoff, Isabel O’Connor, Wanda Garner, and Jim Weckler)