The CFASST Process

WHAT IS CFASST?

‘A structured yet flexible formative assessment and support system that consists of a series of assessment events that focus teachers through a “plan, teach, reflect, apply" process, and blends teaching knowledge with performance. It is for credentialed first and second year teachers with the assistance of trained and experienced educators. The process is grounded in a developmental view of teaching and integrates the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and the K-12 state adopted academic content standards for students.’ 

How Does CFASST Work? 

STANDARDS 
Challenging yet realistic content and performance standards the knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Descriptions of Practice (scales describing teaching practice at four levels of accomplishment) in conjunction with the K-12 state adopted academic content standards for students. 
EVIDENCE 
Specific evidence about teaching is collected over time and examined against the Descriptions of Practice. Evidence is generated through standards driven inquiry, formal observation, and examining student work. 
ASSESSMENT 
Support providers who are trained, experienced educators, assist Participating teachers in the process of examining their practice against teaching standards. 

PLAN, TEACH, REFLECT, APPLY:  

BECOMING A REFLECTIVE PRACTITIONER
The plan, teach, reflect, and apply cycle guides the CFASST process. The assessment events enable Participating teachers to better meet the learning needs of their students, to grow as professionals, and to attain greater confidence in their skills. CFASST event forms are color-coded to reflect the cycle of planning, teaching, reflecting, and applying. This process provides Participating teachers and support providers opportunities for close collaboration as Participating teachers examine their practice and complete the assessment events. CFASST formative assessment events encourage thoughtful reflection on professional practice. 

BENEFITS OF CFASST 

Participating Teachers: Support as they make the transition from teacher preparation to the challenges of classroom teaching.  
Support Providers: Deepen understanding of teaching as they provide guidance for their new colleagues.
Schools and Districts: Provide a common language to describe good teaching and structure for professional growth.

CFASST TRAINING

Support Provider Training in CFASST is a two-year commitment. The Year 1 Training consists of 5 days of training for Support Providers: 4 full-day sessions and 2 half-day sessions. The Year 2 Training consists of 2 days of training for Support Providers and additional training sessions with their Participating Teacher.

Once CFASST Year 1 Training is completed, a Support Provider does not need to repeat the year 1 training, but will need to attend Refresher Institute days. Refresher Institute days are provided each year for Experienced Support Providers to give them information on current programmatic changes and additionall mentoring techniques and strategies.

CFASST Year 2 Training is a series of CFASST Work Sessions attended by both Participating Teachers and Support Providers. Support Providers attend training each year they work with a second year Participating Teacher in BTSA Induction.