Educator Evaluation

Educator Evaluation Update: January 10th Release of Model System

As part of its commitment to attract, develop and retain a highly effective educator workforce, in June 2011 the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved new regulations for educator evaluation, a critical linchpin for cultivating expertise and encouraging continuous professional growth. Districts began to implement the regulations, in Level 4 schools and in 11 voluntary early adopter districts, in September 2011. Race to the Top districts will begin to implement the regulations starting in September 2012 and all districts will be implementing in September 2013. On January 10, 2012, the Department will release the Educator Evaluation Model System called for in the regulations. Being developed in close consultation with state associations, the Model System will include protocols and rubrics for evaluating superintendents and principals, suggested contract language for teacher evaluation, implementation guides, and other resources. Districts will have the option of adopting the Model, adapting it to local context, or revising their existing systems. Under the regulations, districts choosing the option of adapting or revising will need to submit their rubrics, protocols, and contracts to the Department for review to ensure that they are consistent with the regulations. The Department will host a webinar and a conference call on January 10th to introduce the Model and the options available to districts. Districts will have the option of participating in the webinar at 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m. or downloading the materials ahead of time and participating via a conference call line at 2:30p.m. - 4:00p.m. on January 10th. In addition to the webinar and conference call, the Department will host regional workshops in late January and early February to provide a further overview and help district teams get started.
  • Tuesday, January 17: Northeast Meeting at Peabody School District Kiley Administration Building, 9:00a.m. to 12:00 noon
    (Snow Day: Same time and location, Wednesday, January 18)
  • Thursday, January 19: Pioneer Valley Meeting at West Springfield High School, 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
    (Snow Day: Same location, Wednesday, January 25 from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.)
  • Friday, January 20: Berkshires Meeting at Berkshire Community College, 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.
    (Snow Day: Same time and location, Friday, January 27)
  • Monday, January 23: Greater Boston Session 1 Waltham High School, 2:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
    (Snow Day: Same time and location, Tuesday, January 31)
  • Monday, January 30: Southeast Session 1 at Quincy High School, 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.
    (Snow Day: Same time and location, Wednesday, February 1)
  • Thursday, February 2: Central Meeting at Fitchburg High School, 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
    (Snow Day: Same time and location, Friday, February 3)
  • Monday, February 6: Greater Boston Session 2, Boston University, 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m
    (Snow Day: : Same time and location, Tuesday, February 7)
  • Wednesday, February 8: Southeast Session 2,at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, 1:00pm to 4:00p.m.
    (Snow Day: Same time and location, Thursday, February 9)
By December 15th, we will send an email to Race to the Top school district leads and superintendents inviting the school district to register for the January 10, 2012 webinar or conference call and to register for a regional workshop. We encourage districts to participate in the webinar and workshops as a district team of at least five members, including the school committee chair, the superintendent, the union president, a human resources or other central office administrator, and a principal. We are encouraging team participation for two reasons. First, we want to support the kind of collaboration that will be essential if these regulations are to be implemented effectively; and second, we will be able to accommodate more districts on the webinar if they participate from a single site. Please save the date of the webinar and regional workshop of your choice for you and your team members, and communicate with your Race to the Top district lead to ensure you receive the registration information. There is limited space to participate in the webinar and Race to the Top districts will receive first preference as they are required to begin implementing an aligned Educator Evaluation system beginning in fall 2012. All Model System materials will be available to download from the Educator Evaluation section of the Department website, starting on January 10th. The Department is committed to providing substantial support to districts as they implement the new educator evaluation regulations, and has committed a portion of the state share of Race to the Top Funds to provide assistance. Please see the attached Educator Evaluation System of Support and Guidance document for more details and a timeline for the support you can expect. Department staff takes your feedback seriously. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at EducatorEvaluation@doe.mass.edu. Staff monitors this email box daily.



Last Updated: December 7, 2011