The Massachusetts Educator Evaluation Rubric 4F1, Judgement, focuses on the numerous decisions educators make every day throughout the year. This element calls educators to make these decisions with integrity, honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness. Essentially this element describes what it means to be of good character, and one way to develop a practice that exemplifies this is to use appropriate transparency when working with the entire learning team: students, educators, families, leaders, and community members. Most issues, except those regarding student's personal files and issues, can easily be shared with all since most issues and decisions in education prosper when shared with the larger community.
As I reflect on this element, I am prompted to find, read, and review documents on students' rights, confidentiality, and safety, and then to share those documents with students, volunteers, assistants and family members during class discussions and via newsletters at the start of the year in developmentally appropriate ways. I want to give students the tools they need to advocate for and protect themselves with regard to fairness, safety, and confidentiality. Similarly I want educators working in my classroom to follow similar protocols.
Guided Reflection
As you reflect on element 4F1, read the standard, indicator, element, criteria, key points, and questions below. Use the grid to reflect make notes related to this element's implications for your own practice. I’ve included an example of my own self analysis for your review if desired.
Standard IV: Professional Culture. The teacher promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.
Indicator IV-F. Professional Responsibilities: Is ethical and reliable, and meets routine responsibilities consistently.
Element 4F1: Judgement
Criteria (exemplary)
Demonstrates sound judgement reflecting integrity, honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness and acts appropriately to protect student confidentiality, rights, and safety. Is able to model this element.
Key Points/Questions:
Demonstrates sound judgement reflecting integrity, honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness. Are you honest, fair and trustworthy when working with the learning community: students, families, educators, leaders, and community members?
Acts appropriately to protect student confidentiality, rights, and safety? Do you understand and carry out the protocols related to student confidentiality, rights, and safety?
Element 4F1: Judgement
My Self Analysis and Action Steps
Reflections' Links
TeachFocus Website of Ma Educator Evaluation System Reflections and Supports