4.1 Observations

General:

A data gathering process that includes notes and judgments made during one or more classroom, school or worksite visits by the Evaluator and may include examination of artifacts of practice, including student work.

“Any observation or series of observations resulting in one or more standards judged to be unsatisfactory or needs improvement for the first time must be followed by at least one observation of at least 30 minutes in duration within 30 school days.”

Classroom observations must be at least 10 minutes.

Unannounced Observations

Evaluator must provide written feedback within 5 school days.

The contract does not require educators to sign the form, however, this is an expectation from the district.  Signature does not imply agreement, merely receipt.

Announced Observations

• Evaluator selects the time and discusses any specific goal of the observation with the educator

• Educator or Evaluator can request a pre-observation meeting.

    In lieu of meeting, the educator can provide a plan in writing.

• A post observation meeting must happen within 5 school days.

• The Evaluator must provide written feedback within 5 school days of the meeting.

The contract does not require educators to sign the form, however, this is an expectation from the district.  Signature does not imply agreement, merely receipt.

• If the evaluator judges any standard is "Needs Improvement" or "Unsatisfactory" in the observation they must:

    Describe the basis for the judgment.

    Describe the actions the educator should take to improve.

    Identify supports and/or resources available to the educator.

    State that the educator is responsible for addressing the need for improvement

Observation Timing

The first observation for Developing Educators or Administrators must be done by November 15.

All required observations must be done by the Thursday before April Vacation.

Developing Educator Plans:

• First Year of practice or in a school  (Administrators do not have announced observations)

    1 Announced Observation, 4 Unannounced Observations

• Second and Third years as non-PTS or Administrator

    3 Unannounced Observations

Self Directed Plans:

• 1 Unannounced Observation each year

Directed Growth Plans: 

• 2 announced and 2 Unannounced Observations

Improvement Plans:

• If the plan is six months or fewer:

    1 Announced Observation and 2 Unannounced Observations

• If the plan is one year:

    1 Announced Observation and 4 Unannounced Observations