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The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Research Findings on the 2012-2013 Implementation of the Educator Evaluation Framework

To:
Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
From:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner
Date:
January 17, 2014

This memo provides the background and overview of the findings of an external research study on the implementation of the Educator Evaluation framework. The research focused on the first year of implementation in 2012-2013. In addition, this memo summarizes the implementation support the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) is providing to districts, in relation to issues identified in the research study.

Implementation Study of the Massachusetts Educator Evaluation System

In the fall of 2012, commissioned by ESE, a research team led by SRI International, an independent non-profit organization, launched a multi-year study of Massachusetts' new educator evaluation model. Preliminary findings from implementation year 1 are available (see enclosed Research Brief: Early Implementation of the MA Educator Evaluation Framework) and indicate areas of strength and progress, as well as areas of challenge. This summary includes DESE's response to key findings.

The majority of educators expressed generally positive views of the new evaluation system and reported that the new system has significant advantages over past evaluation practices. This finding is integral to the long-term success of the new evaluation model. In order to ensure that districts continue to move toward an evaluation model that improves professional growth and student learning, DESE will maintain its commitment to working with educators to build confidence in and find success with the new model.

Educators had mixed views of the fairness of the new system. This finding echoes educator concerns related to evaluators' ability to conduct evaluations accurately and thoroughly. Existing and forthcoming DESE resources will assist districts in helping evaluators to do this work well:

Labor-management relations based on collaborative resolution of implementation issues enhanced the rollout of the new evaluation system. DESE will be releasing model contract language related to DDMs (winter 2014) and student and staff feedback (spring 2014) to assist with the collective bargaining process.

Educators are still working to integrate the new evaluation system with other district reform initiatives… School districts in Massachusetts are devoting considerable time, energy, and resources to multiple, concurrent reforms. DESE's goal is to help educators identify and facilitate synergies across initiatives, to make implementation more effective and efficient. To that end:

Administrators and school staff reported that they understood the components of the evaluation cycle; both groups, however, wanted more training and guidance on goal-setting and evidence collection.

I look forward to discussing these research findings on year one of the new educator evaluation system with the Board at your January 28 meeting. Associate Commissioner Heather Peske will be at the meeting to answer your questions.

Enclosure:

Download PDF Document
Research Brief: Early Implementation of the Massachusetts Educator Evaluation Framework