Who are Mods 5 & 6 for?

Q:  Districts are interested in contracting with us to train teachers in Educator Evaluation System modules 5 (Gathering Evidence) and 6 (Observations and Feedback).  Five seems to be a great fit for teachers, but six seems designed for evaluators.  Will teachers benefit from attending training in module 6?

A:  Module 6 is more geared toward evaluators since they are the individual responsible for conducting observations, but the content in Module 6 will be beneficial to all educators as it represents a significant shift from current practice.  Teachers tend to equate observations with full-length classroom period observations with pre- and post-conferences, during which extensive notes might be taken according to a detailed rubric. The shift to frequent, unannounced observations will feel just as new to a teacher as it will to an evaluator, and it will benefit districts to make sure that everyone is on the same page and holds the same expectations when it comes to the role of observation in the new framework.  DESE encourages districts to send both evaluators and teachers to Module 6, and it’s a district-level choice.

IPDPs and Evaluation System

Q:  How does the Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) process relate to the new educator evaluation system?

A:  Regarding IPDPs, the revised licensure regulations allow for educators to use activities in their educator plans to contribute to the IPDPs, and vice versa. Educators and evaluators are encouraged to align the two when possible. That said, an evaluation in no way affects one’s ability to renew their license.

Limits to Teacher Ratings?

Q:   Is there a percentage-based limit to the number of teachers that can be rated exemplary-- any truth to this? (or needs improvement, for that matter)

A:  No—there is no percentage-based limit associated with any performance category.  The regulations place no numerical targets or requirements on the number of educators in each rating category.