The primary goal of WCPS is to prepare all graduating students for College and Career Readiness. We believe that highly effective teaching is the cornerstone to support students in obtaining this goal. In compliance with federal and state guidelines, in 2013-2014 all Maryland counties implemented a new teacher evaluation system that included both professional practice and student growth. Teachers will be observed (at a minimum) once every three years and all teachers will evaluated yearly.
In a collaborative effort, WCPS Human Resources Department and WCTA developed resources to provide rich, meaningful feedback about teaching and learning. These resources aligned to the evaluation requirements of Maryland State Department of Education. These requirements include:
Performance – 50%
The evaluation process assesses professional practice using the 2013 Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching (FFT) which includes specific language relating to Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Each teacher-of-record is evaluated using the 4 Domains: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction and Professional Responsibilities.
For teachers who are not considered a teacher-of-record, observation tools have been developed to specifically evaluate job performance and growth.
Percentage Totals for Performance
Student Growth – 50%
In measuring student growth, WCPS has assignment-specific growth measures for Teachers of Record and uses Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) which are generated by teachers and approved by principals. WCPS also recognizes the value that all educators play in the education process and has required Performance Goals (PLGs) for those teachers who are not considered a teacher-of -record. In 2018_19, teachers will use two growth scores:
Percentage Totals for Growth Scores
TEACHERS: The mathematical formula for calculating professional practice and student growth