NOTICE:
A LINK TO THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BE POSTED ON THE DISTRICT’S PUBLIC WEBSITE AS REQUIRED BY MCL 380.1249 (3). NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION OR LINKED DOCUMENTS MAY BE MODIFIED, REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, USED IN A SPREADSHEET, OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS — ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE — WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND THE MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.
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Teacher Evaluation
Postings and Assurances
Section 1249(3): Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, a school district, intermediate school district, or public school academy shall post on its public website all of the following information about the evaluation tool or tools it uses for its performance evaluation system for teachers:
Research base for the instructional framework, instrument, and process [Section 1249(3)(a)]
- Research and Development of 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning™ instructional framework and 5D+™ Rubric for Instructional Growth and Teacher Evaluation
- Research for 5D+™ Rubric for Instructional Growth & Teacher Evaluation
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Identity and Qualifications of the Authors [Section 1249(3)(b)]
- The University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) teacher evaluation system provides research-based methods and instruments to:
- Plan and implement a growth-oriented teacher evaluation system focused on high-quality learning.
- Develop a common language and shared vision for improving teaching and learning using an instructional framework.
- Analyze and calibrate evaluation ratings across classrooms, schools and districts using an evaluation rubric.
- Increase the expertise of school leaders to guide and support the professional growth of teachers.
- About CEL
- CEL’s Team
Evidence of Reliability, Validity and Efficacy [Section 1249(3)(c)]
- Research and Development of 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning™ instructional framework and 5D+™ Rubric for Instructional Growth and Teacher Evaluation
- There are eight challenges that districts typically face when working to increase the reliability of observation for purposes of teacher evaluation. The following provides an overview of these eight challenges to achieving increased reliability, as well as recommendations/possible solutions for districts to consider.
Evaluation Framework and Rubric [Section 1249(3)(d)]
- 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning instructional framework (To learn more, click here)
- 5D+™ Rubric for Instructional Growth and Teacher Evaluation (To learn more, click here)
Description of the process for conducting observations, collecting evidence, conducting evaluation conferences, developing performance ratings, and developing performance improvement plans. [Section 1249(3)(e)]
- CEL’s teacher evaluation system engages teachers and principals in the 5D+ Inquiry Cycle. Teachers typically engage in two inquiry cycles during a single school year. Except as permitted by law and District election as provided in any applicable local collective bargaining agreements, each teacher is provided an annual evaluation at the end of the school year, based on an analysis of observation evidence collected during the inquiry cycles, as well as student growth and assessment data, as required by law.
- The 5D+ inquiry cycle has four steps:
- Step 1 – Self-Assessment
- A teacher assesses instructional practice using the 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning (5D) instructional framework and the 5D+ Teacher Evaluation Rubric. A teacher cites evidence from his or her day-to-day classroom practice to support one’s assessment for each rubric indicator.
- Step 2 – Determine a Focus (Developing Performance Improvement Plans)
- A teacher rated effective or highly effective on their most recent evaluation, or the evaluator, in consultation with a first year probationary teacher or a teacher rated less than effective on their most recent evaluation, will:
- Analyze evidence to identify areas of focus (typically 3-4 indicators from 2 or more dimensions in the 5D+ rubric).
- Set specific performance goals (instructional practice and student learning goals); identify action steps to achieve goals, including recommended professional development, instructional support, or coaching; and identify evidence that will demonstrate meeting the goals.
- Note: Under Michigan Teachers’ Tenure Act, time periods for demonstrating progress toward achieving goals in an IDP shall not be greater than 180 calendar days, and should be determined by the evaluator in consultation with the teacher based on the goal and its impact on classroom instruction.
- A teacher rated effective or highly effective on their most recent evaluation, or the evaluator, in consultation with a first year probationary teacher or a teacher rated less than effective on their most recent evaluation, will:
- Step 3 – Implementation and Support (Conducting Observations/Collecting Evidence):
- Each teacher is expected to be observed 4-6 times per year (2-3 times per inquiry cycle) in order for an evaluator to have adequate evidence to determine indicator scores for a summative evaluation of professional practice. Each observation must be a minimum of 15 minutes in length, unless a longer duration is determined necessary by the observer and/or evaluator or as required by a local collective bargaining agreement. Observations are typically unannounced, unless an observer determines a need to pre-conference with a teacher prior to an observation (i.e. providing coaching specific to planning and/or assessing student learning) or if notification is required by a local collective bargaining agreement.
- Note: Michigan law permits districts to allow fewer observations for teachers rated effective and/or highly effective on their two most recent evaluations.
- Below are the specific steps for collecting evidence, analyzing evidence, and providing formative feedback for each observation:
- Script – Collect specific and descriptive evidence.
- Code – Align evidence from script to specific indicators in the 5D+ rubric.
- Notice/Wonder/Response – Identify/highlight evidence and pose questions related to a teacher’s area of focus (i.e. IDP performance goals). Collect teacher responses to wonderings.
- Sort – Analyze evidence of teacher practice to identify a teacher’s zone of proximal development in preparation to provide formative feedback.
- Feedback – Provide teacher with formative feedback that recognizes/ affirms practices in place and communicate actionable next steps (short-term coaching points) to improve practice. Feedback should be provided within 48 hours when possible, but not later than 30 calendar days following the observation. Observers must hold a post-observation meeting with the teacher during which they review, at a minimum, the teacher’s lesson plan, state curriculum standards used in the lesson, and a review of pupil engagement.
- Each teacher is expected to be observed 4-6 times per year (2-3 times per inquiry cycle) in order for an evaluator to have adequate evidence to determine indicator scores for a summative evaluation of professional practice. Each observation must be a minimum of 15 minutes in length, unless a longer duration is determined necessary by the observer and/or evaluator or as required by a local collective bargaining agreement. Observations are typically unannounced, unless an observer determines a need to pre-conference with a teacher prior to an observation (i.e. providing coaching specific to planning and/or assessing student learning) or if notification is required by a local collective bargaining agreement.
- Step 4 – Analyze Impact (Mid-Year and End-of-Year Inquiry Conferences):
- At the end of the first inquiry cycle (typically in January), each teacher and his/her evaluator will meet for a mid-year inquiry conference. As part of the mid-year review, the teacher and evaluator will:
- Review the growth plan (IDP, PDG, etc.)
- Examine student and teacher data.
- Analyze the impact of the data.
- Discuss teacher growth using the 5D+ rubric.
- Decide whether to continue the same inquiry and/or identify new area(s) of focus for the next inquiry cycle.
- Note: For teachers with an IDP, Michigan law requires that the evaluator set specific performance goals for the remainder of the year and write an improvement plan, in consultation with the teacher, that includes any recommended professional development, instructional support and/or coaching to achieve performance goals.
- At the end of the first inquiry cycle (typically in January), each teacher and his/her evaluator will meet for a mid-year inquiry conference. As part of the mid-year review, the teacher and evaluator will:
- Step 5 – Determine Student Growth Rating: Examine locally determined measures of student growth, subject to the requirements of any applicable local collective bargaining agreements, and derive a student growth rating.
- Step 6 – Determine Effectiveness Rating: Aggregate Professional Practice (80%) and Student Growth (20%) ratings to calculate a raw score. Use the following scoring band to determine an effectiveness rating:
- Assign one of the following effectiveness ratings:
Needing Support Developing Effective 1.0 – 1.49 1.5 – 2.49 2.5 – 4.0 - Needing Support: Professional practice shows evidence of not understanding the concepts underlying individual criteria of the performance evaluation system. This level of practice is ineffective and inefficient and may represent practice that is harmful to student learning progress, professional learning environment, or individual teaching practice. This level requires immediate intervention and the development of an Individualized Development Plan (IDP) written by the evaluator that includes specific performance goals, and any recommended professional development, instructional support and/or coaching that would assist the teacher in meeting these goals. This may not be necessary if a decision is made not to continue the teacher.
- Developing: Professional practice shows a developing understanding of the knowledge and skills of the criteria required in practice, but performance may be inconsistent over a period of time due to lack of experience, expertise, and/or commitment. This level may be considered minimally competent for teachers early in their careers, but insufficient for more experienced teachers. This level requires specific support through the development of an Individualized Development Plan (IDP) written by the evaluator that includes specific performance goals, and any recommended professional development, instructional support and/or coaching that would assist the teacher in meeting these goals, unless a decision is made not to continue the teacher.
- Effective: Professional practice shows evidence of thorough knowledge of all aspects of the profession. This is successful, accomplished, professional, and effective practice. Teaching at this level utilizes a broad repertoire of strategies and activities to support student learning. At this level, teaching is strengthened and expanded through purposeful, collaborative sharing and learning with colleagues as well as ongoing self-reflection and professional improvement.
- Assign one of the following effectiveness ratings:
- Step 1 – Self-Assessment
Description of Plan for Providing Evaluators and Observers with Training [Section 1249(3)(c)]
- CEL’s two-stage training program (6 days) is designed to help educators develop their understanding of the 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning instructional framework, the 5D+ Teacher Evaluation Rubric, the 5D+ Inquiry Cycle, and Summative Scoring.
- Stage I training (1 day) provides an introduction to the 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning instructional framework, 5D+ Teacher Evaluation Rubric, and 5D+ Inquiry Cycle. The focus is developing participants’ understanding of how the 5D instructional framework and the 5D+ rubric connect to inform teaching and learning, as well as how to use the inquiry process during teacher evaluation to support teacher growth.
- Stage II (5 days) training develops and deepens a participants’ knowledge and use of the 5D instructional framework, 5D+ rubric, and the 5D+ Inquiry Cycle to improve a teacher’s practice. Each day has a focus on a new dimension and its connection to other dimensions. Each day provides dimension-specific practice of the formative feedback cycle. In addition, participants learn to use Pivot to facilitate work related to supervision and evaluation. The last day of training introduces participants to the scoring methodology for summative evaluation.
- To meet the PA 173 training requirements, all evaluators and observers participate in both Stage I and Stage II (6 days) training at a regional site or in-district that is facilitated by one or more authorized and licensed CEL trainers who have expertise in the evaluation tool, and who have been trained to train others in the use of CEL’s evaluation tool.
- In addition to Stage I and State II training, all evaluators must complete rater reliability training at least once every three years. Developing reliable evaluators of teachers is a key component to the success of any school district’s teacher evaluation system. Teachers and students benefit from principals and evaluators who are trained and certified to observe, analyze and rate instruction, before they ever step into a classroom to observe a teacher for the purpose of evaluation. Districts must collectively bargain the type of rater reliability training required locally, and whether or not certification is expected. Evaluators have two options for meeting this requirement:
- Certification Option: 5D+ Rater Reliability Certification Training provides opportunities for principals and district staff to become certified as reliable evaluators using the 5D+ Teacher Evaluation Rubric. These sessions engage leaders in discussions of best practices in evaluation and calibration, and are a significant opportunity to practice scripting, coding and rating classroom videos. Through discussion with their colleagues, evaluators become increasingly aligned in their calibration to the rubric. Initial RR Certification Training is three days of training and Recertification Training is two days of training.
- Non-Certification Option: Calibration Tune-ups provides opportunities for principals and district staff to observe instruction, rate evidence, and engage in calibration of ratings to deepen content clarity and increase internal reliability in scoring evidence using the 5D+ Rubric. Through discussion with their colleagues, evaluators become increasingly aligned in their calibration to the rubric. This is a one-day training.