Educator Effectiveness

Teachers' Top Three from ESE — March 2, 2017

1. The Buzz: Educator Evaluation Framework Amended
   On Tuesday, February 28, after collecting public comment since November, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted 9-1 to amend the existing educator evaluation regulations.

   The most significant change in the regulations is the elimination of a separate student impact rating. Under the amended regulations, evaluators do not have to make a separate judgment about an educator's impact on student learning. Instead, student learning is embedded as an indicator within one of the evaluation framework's four standards.

   So, what does this mean for teachers? First, the categories of evidence have not changed. Educators and evaluators will continue to use multiple sources to paint a full picture of educator effectiveness. Second, the process should feel more streamlined. Under the former model, looking at teacher practice and teacher's impact on student learning happened separately because of the two-rating structure. Now, conversations about practice and impact can happen at the same time, reinforcing the connections between teacher actions and student outcomes.

   Finally, the amended regulations focus on an overall evaluation in which professionals apply their judgment to a wide array of evidence to provide meaningful feedback and determine performance ratings. There are no formulas in the Massachusetts framework and no efforts to reduce the complexity of teaching to a number.

   The Department is committed to supporting districts in implementing evaluation systems that help educators improve their practice through ongoing reflection and regular feedback.

   If you have questions about educator evaluation, the amendments, or implementation, email edeval@doe.mass.edu.

2. In the News: Massachusetts' Graduation Rate Grows for 10th Consecutive Year
   We announced Tuesday that the Commonwealth's graduation rate had grown for the 10th consecutive year, and the annual dropout rate is the lowest it has been in more than three decades. That means, for instance, that approximately 5,900 fewer students dropped out in 2015-16 than in 2006-7. Thank you for your dedication to getting all students to graduation and beyond!

   The four-year graduation and annual dropout rates have improved for students overall, and the gaps between major ethnic and racial groups have narrowed on both rates.

3. Get Involved: Last Call for Ed Prep Reviewers!
   Sunday, March 12, is the deadline to apply to be part of the 2017-18 cohort of educator preparation program reviewers. Reviewers analyze and evaluate evidence of program effectiveness and work with ESE to help guarantee that educator preparation in Massachusetts results in effective educators ready to support the success of all students.

   Becoming an ed prep reviewer is also an opportunity to engage in a meaningful professional learning opportunity and earn professional development points, learn about educator preparation in Massachusetts, collaborate with diverse education leaders and professionals, and help make recommendations to the commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education that help determine program approval.

   For more information, please contact edprep@doe.mass.edu. To read about one reviewer's experience, go to the January 28, 2016 edition of Teachers' Top Three.