After much discussion with the District, we have finally hammered out the process and timeline for 2020-21 educator evaluations.
We recognize that this is an unprecedented year, and both PAT and PPS agree that in this environment, evaluations should primarily provide an opportunity to have conversations with your administrator about strengthening your virtual practice. The intent of the evaluation process is to support teaching and learning in the face of our extremely challenging circumstances, while still meeting ODE requirements.
However, given the specific challenges we’re facing, a majority of educators can expect an “in process” for many of the evaluation elements, because all ratings must be based on evidence.
Annual Goals
As part of this process, educators will be required to have two student learning goals and one professional goal for the year. Unlike prior years, you may focus student learning goals on:
- Social and emotional learning for students;
- Student engagement; and/or
- Family engagement.
Professional goals are areas that you decide you would like to work on, and academic goals may be considered with mutual agreement.
Key Steps in the Evaluation Process
There are four steps in this year’s evaluation process, a Pre-Observation Conference, a Formal Observation, a Post-Observation Conference, and a Summative Meeting.
This year’s Pre-Observation Conference for classroom teachers will be based on the Educator’s Self-Assessment and Reflection worksheet. Separate rubrics will be used for Library Media Specialists, Counselors, and other Certified Educators not in the classroom.
Educators must be given at least five school days’ notice before the Formal Observation, and administrators will share their notes from the observation using the Administrator Observation Tool.
Generally, within five school days of the observation there should be a Post-Observation Conference. If the educator’s self-assessment and the administrator’s rating significantly diverge, the administrator will provide a written copy of the Administrator Observation Debrief Preparation Form.
For probationary educators this evaluation process will be conducted in both fall and spring, with a Fall Summative Meeting held prior to December 18, 2020 and a Spring Summative Meeting held by March 1, 2021.
For contract educators there is one annual observation cycle. Formal observations must be completed by April 1, 2021 with Annual Summative Meetings completed by May 1, 2021.
A more detailed description of the evaluation process timeline, and documentation requirements can be found on the PAT website.