Embedded Files
Who is to be evaluated?
Permanent teachers who were not evaluated last year. (§16.5)
Probationary, temporary, categorical, emergency, and intern teachers (§16.4)
Permanent teachers whose Summary Evaluation for last year was Unsatisfactory or Improvement Needed. (§16.5.1)
Others designated in writing by the Site Administrator or Executive Director, Human Resources. (§16.5.2; 16.5.2.1) This is called an “Out of Cycle” Evaluation.
What makes up the evaluation?
The evaluation is made up of a number of assessment sequences followed by a summary evaluation. The number of assessment sequences is determined by the status of the teacher. Each sequence results in a Written Classroom Performance Report (WCPR) or a Written Performance Report (WPR). (§16.7.1; 16.7.2)
What is the assessment sequence?
Article 16.7.2-If either of the WCPRs reflects an Unsatisfactory or Improvement Needed, the teacher shall have a third WCPR and associated conferences. The following represents the required minimum number of assessment sequences that should occur for each teacher personnel category scheduled for evaluation and working for a full school year.
Assessment Sequences
Tenured teachers: 1-2 per year
Prob 0, Prob 1, Prob 2 and TT: 2 to 4 per year (one a semester)
Any teacher receiving U or NI summary evaluation for the previous year: Minimum of 4 per year
What makes up an assessment sequence?
A pre-observation conference, an observation, and a written report. We recommend holding a post-observation supervisory conference.
In the case of a classroom teacher, the observation shall be one full period of forty minutes, or one full period, whichever is longer.
In the case of a non-classroom teacher, the observation may be ongoing.
What is a standard and what is an element?
There are six standards for the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). For example, the Standard 1: Engaging and Supporting. Under Standard 1, there are five elements such as Element 1:1 Use knowledge of students to engage them in learning. This standard and element is referred to as 1.1 (Standard 1/Element 1).
How should I script the formal observation?
During the formal observation, you will script evidence that is directly related to the elements that were identified during the pre-observation. You can use the scripting tool that we provided or any other method that assists you in scripting the evidence related to those identified elements. It is recommended that you take a list of the elements identified during the pre-observation with you to the observation. One strategy is for you to highlight those identified elements that you will be rating on a single page overview of the CSTPs (standards and elements). When you write up the WCPR you will enter the scripted evidence for the identified elements under the appropriate Standard on page 2 of the WCPR. If you want to note an element that was not identified for this WCPR, you can note it under the standard on page 2 of the WCPR indicating that you would like the teacher to address that particular element in the next formal observation (you will not rate it for this WCPR).
Should we note a level of performance for every standard and element for each observation?
No, it is not intended for each element to be addressed in each observation or even in a complete evaluation cycle. During the formal observation you will look for evidence of 5-8 of the Proficiency Elements and elements that were identified during the pre-observation conference (in Standards 1 through 5). Your schoolwide initiatives should be aligned with the CSTPs as well as your Principal’s Expectations. As a guideline, at least one element per standard should be addressed in each observation. You will not rate any elements for Standards 1-5 that were not identified during the pre-observation conference. You may note on page 2 of the WCPR that there is an element that you would like them to work on during a future formal observation. During the formal observation, the evaluator may rate elements of Standard 6 when it is a positive observation and it is rated satisfactory or above.
Can I use multiple measures of student data during the pre-conference to determine areas of focus and feedback during the observation?
Yes, you can use student data during the pre-conference especially as it applies to Standard 5 of the CSTPs – especially 5.4: “Use assessment data to establish learning goals and to plan, differentiate, and modify instruction”. Also CSTP elements 2.6, 3.6 and 4.2 could also be useful data points. The use of data keeps the focus on the work and improvement of practice.
May we require teachers to submit a lesson plan for the observation?
Yes, however there is not a required format. We have provided you with a recommended standards-based lesson-planning tool. You or the teacher may have other formats that you wish to use.
May I note standards and elements observed on a continual basis other than those observed during the formal observations?
Yes, however not on the WCPR. Standards and elements observed during informal visits and/or the work day can be included on the Summary Evaluation. You can include additional information related to their job performance, per Article 16.25, if you have previously provided written feedback to the teacher. You must attach this information to the Summary that you give to the teacher and Human Resources.
See Article 16.25
Other written feedback previously given to the teacher and related to job performance can be used to determine the Summary Evaluation. Copies of all written backup materials shall be attached to the form that is to be given to the teacher and sent to the HR Department.
Example: During an informal visit, you observe a teacher reviewing his/her expectations for students that when they enter the classroom, they are to immediately sit down and begin work on the “Do Now” that is posted daily on the board. You provide the teacher with a written memo/note, complimenting them on reviewing the expectations with students to ensure that instructional time is maximized. You attach that note to the Summary and address it under Standard 2 in the Summary. The attached back up materials can be used in determining the overall Summary rating.
Must I hold a pre-observation conference?
Yes. Article 16.12.1-Prior to making an observation which is part of an assessment sequence, the responsible administrator shall conduct an individual pre-observation conference with the teacher involved.
Article 16.13-The evaluator shall normally make an observation of the teacher’s performance no later than (5) working days after the pre-observation conference.
What is the assessment sequence?
Article 16.7.2-If either of the WCPRs reflects an Unsatisfactory or Improvement Needed, the teacher shall have a third WCPR and associated conferences. The following represents the required minimum number of assessment sequences that should occur for each teacher personnel category scheduled for evaluation and working for a full school year.
Assessment Sequences
Tenured teachers: 1-2 per year
Prob 0, Prob 1, Prob 2 and TT: 2 to 4 per year (one a semester)
Any teacher receiving U or NI summary evaluation for the previous year: Minimum of 4 per year
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