Evaluating Teacher Effectiveness

1. Evaluating Teacher Effectiveness Presented at the March 11, 2010 Meeting of Professional Standards Commission for Teachers (PSCT) Rachele DiMeglio Michigan Department of Education

2. A Paradigm Shift… From Highly Qualified to Highly Effective.. How will we define effective?

3. A Five-Point Definition Effective Teachers... Hold “high expectations for ALL students, ... help students learn, as measured by value-added or other test-based growth measures” “Contribute to positive academic, attitudinal, and social outcomes for students” Monitor & adapt instruction based on student needs, utilize multiple data sources “Contribute to the development of classrooms and schools that value diversity and civic-mindedness Collaborate with others to ensure student success (Goe, Bell & Little, 2008)

4. Evaluation Models High-quality teacher evaluation... “Identifies and measures instructional strategies, professional behaviors, and the delivery of content knowledge that enhances student learning” (Mathers & Oliva, 2008, as cited in Rowland, 2009). Utilizes formative and summative assessment concurrently (Rowland, 2009).

5. Evaluation Models - Considerations Include opportunities for professional growth Reflect specific teaching criteria Should occur more than once per year by more than one evaluator Instruments should be measurable Evaluators should be trained Opportunities to examine content-specific pedagogy Additional forms of evidence Degrees of differentiation (based on teachers level - new, experienced, etc.) Positioning within a system that allows for coaching and feedback, minimization of teaching burden, support from the top (Rowland, 2009)

6. Evaluation Models - Examples Classroom Observation Principal Evaluation Instructional Artifact Portfolio Teacher Self-Report Measure Student Survey Value-Added Model (Goe, Bell & Little, 2008)

7. Across the Country New Mexico - Tiered licensing system, comprehensive portfolio assessment used to move teachers through the process (Rowland, 2009). Tennessee - 35% of teacher’s annual evaluation will be based on student gains under the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS), 15% on “other measures”(reading assessment for elementary teachers, end-of-year subject tests, AP tests for high school teachers). Assessments to be developed for special ed teachers and teachers whose grade levels do not take the TVAAS tests (Locker, 2010). Illinois recently passed legislation that requires every school district to incorporate student performance as a “significant factor” in teacher and principal evaluation. 350 school districts have agreed to make student performance at least 50% of the evaluation (Chicago Press Release Services, 2010).

8. Across the Country, cont. In their RTTT application Louisiana’s teacher evaluation system links teacher pay, promotion and retention to student performance; requires ineffective teachers to get professional assistance, or face removal if they fail to improve; publishes data for taxpayers that spells out the effectiveness of teachers and principals (Sentell, 26 January 2010). Colorado - Governor recently signed Executive Order that requires at least 50% of evaluation to be based on student growth. State is also retooling rating system from two ratings (satisfactory and unsatisfactory) to four levels of performance (Shogan & Bugdanowitz, 10 March 2010).

9. Common Treads Previous teacher evaluation processes criticized for categorizing teachers too broadly (i.e. limited to satisfactory or unsatisfactory) with VAST majority of teachers receiving satisfactory ratings Many states in the process of reconfiguring teacher evaluation process Trending toward including student achievement data as part (up to 50%) of the evaluation Unclear how states will incorporate grade levels and subject areas where students are not tested; measures being developed

10. Works Cited Goe, L., Bell, C., & Little, O. (2008). Approaches to Evaluation Teacher Effectiveness: A Research Synthesis. Washington, DC: National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality. Gov. Quinn Signs Legislation to Improve Teacher, Principal Evaluations and Training; Boosts Illinois Application for Federal Race to the Top Funds. Chicago Press Release Services. Locker, R. (2010). Tennessee Lawmakers Approve Teacher Evaluation Plan. The Commercial Appeal. Sentell, W. (2010). Race bid brings changes. Advocate Capital News. Shogan, S., & Bugdanowitz, S. (2010). Colorado's race to the top. The Denver Post. Rowland, C. (2009). Considerations for Using Evaluation and Compensation to Enhance Teacher Effectiveness. In L. Goe (Ed.), America's Opportunity: Teacher Effectiveness and Equity in K-12 Classrooms. Washington, DC: National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality.