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Hi. My name is Ashley, and today's lesson is titled Teacher Evaluation Model Selection. In today's lesson, we will identify why teacher evaluation models are similar across districts and states. We'll define Race to the Top and then review the process of evaluating and choosing a teacher evaluation model. We'll also consider how digital components enhance the evaluation model. And we'll end our lesson by listing the best practices for implementing a new evaluation model.
Why are teacher evaluation models similar? Teacher evaluation models across districts and states have a lot in common. This is because many models are built closely to models that are provided by Danielson and Marzano, and Danielson and Marzano are based upon the frameworks of [INAUDIBLE] in order to meet the Elementary and Secondary Education Act requirements.
Also, some states are required to report certain information as mandated by the ESEA and No Child Left Behind, as well as Title I and Title II. Therefore, many evaluation models will be similar.
What is Race to the Top? Race to the Top are grants distributed by the Obama administration. These funds are used to design curriculum and assessments with more rigor, draw in and keep highly qualified teachers, support data systems that will improve instruction, and help inform decisions. The funds are also used to find and use innovative approaches to improve failing schools.
Lastly, the funds are used to demonstrate a sustained education reform, which includes identifying, recruiting, and retaining highly qualified teachers. Many states use a portion of Race to the Top funds to implement or adapt their teacher evaluation systems. Many states look to incorporate [INAUDIBLE] professional teacher standards developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers. The standards are what the Danielson and Marzano models are based on. As a result, many states adopt some of the same models, which explains why many of evaluation models throughout the country are similar.
How are teacher evaluation models selected? In most cases, schools don't have an option on the teacher evaluation model as a result of state and federal requirements. It is selected by the district. Many districts also limit the teacher evaluation models that can be used. For example, in Rhode Island, all districts must use the same state-adopted model. In Colorado, districts are given a choice of three models that can be used to evaluate teachers.
What is considered when choosing a model? When choosing a teacher evaluation model, there are a few things to consider. Is there an analytic tool that will allow the district or school to track teacher performance? Is there a tool that will allow the school to review trends to make decisions about professional development needs? Is there a reporting tool that will allow the district or school to meet the federal reporting requirements?
Is the model aligned to professional teacher standards used by the school or district? What is the required frequency of the evaluation? Does the model include pre and post conferences, announced or unannounced observations? What about professional growth goals or student growth? And achievement data tools for data analysis, feedback, and improvement plans to support struggling teachers? The district would also want to consider how student growth is measured when choosing an evaluation model.
How do digital components enhance teacher evaluation models? We are in the age of technology, because technology helps us get things done faster and more efficiently. It is the same way with using teacher evaluation models. We want to be able to get evaluations completed faster and efficiently in order to evaluate all the teachers of a particular school and district.
Digital platforms will work best. Marzano and Danielson have digital components, which make them so popular in the United States. In addition to using models with digital components, some states use a system such as Teachscape that houses the evaluation tool and is used as a reporting mechanism. These types of tools run reports and identify strengths and weaknesses for individual teachers or groups of teachers. It also facilitates in planning professional development opportunities.
What are the best practices for implementing a new evaluation model? An evaluation team should be established. These will be the individuals who are in charge of developing school guidelines, timelines, and plans for the district. States should give freedom to local districts and schools to customize their evaluation models to fit their specific needs. Therefore, schools can have their own individual evaluation teams to make some unique changes to the model to fit their needs.
Evaluators should be trained extensively on how to understand the model, observe teachers, support teachers, and provide feedback. Likewise, teachers also need to be trained on what to expect with the evaluation model and receive training on professional teacher standards.
Let's recap what we have discussed in today's lesson. Teacher evaluation models are similar because many models are adapted from Danielson or Marzano. And since requirements are the same for all states, it is likely that many of them will be similar. Race to the Top is a grant that offers funding for designing curriculum and finding and implementing innovative approaches for ineffective schools.
When choosing a model, normally schools don't have an option. However, districts do look at how student growth will be measured and the frequency of teacher evaluations when selecting the model. Evaluation models that have digital components is a plus, because it offers tools that run reports and facilitate professional development opportunities. Lastly, best practices when implementing a new evaluation model is establishing the evaluation team and giving some freedom to schools to make their evaluations unique to fit their needs.
As you reflect on the information presented here, review the components that are considered when choosing an evaluation model. To dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure to check out the Additional Resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material.
Overview
(00:00 - 00:10) Introduction
(00:11 - 00:38) What Will You Learn Today?
(00:39 - 01:20) Why are Teacher Evaluation Models Similar?
(01:21 - 02:27) What is Race to the Top?
(02:28 - 02:59) How are Teacher Evaluation Models Selected?
(03:00 - 03:59) What is Considered When Choosing a Model?
(04:00 - 04:51) How Do Digital Components Enhance Teacher Evaluation Models?
(04:52 - 05:39) What are the Best Practices for Implementing a New Evaluation Model?
(05:40 - 06:38) What Did You Learn Today?
(06:39 - 07:05) Reflection
The Two Purposes of Teacher Evaluation
In this article, Robert Marzano argues that a teacher evaluation model that supports teacher growth is different than one that measures teacher effectiveness.
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov12/vol70/num03/The-Two-Purposes-of-Teacher-Evaluation.aspx
Selecting Growth Models for School and Teacher Evaluations
This report from American Institutes for Research outlines three models of measuring growth. The report finds that Value Added Models that correlate student growth with school and teacher growth are the most effective teacher evaluation models.
http://www.air.org/resource/selecting-growth-models-school-and-teacher-evaluations