Frequently Asked Questions

Section:

1. Regulations
2. DESE Supports & Engagement
   1. Integration with other Initiatives
      1. Licensure and Professional Development
      2. MA Curriculum Frameworks
      3. Educator Preparation
      4. Other District Priorities
   2. Model System
3. 5-Step Cycle & Summative Performance Rating
   1. Training
   2. Rubrics
   3. Goal Setting
   4. Evidence
   5. Student and Staff Feedback
   6. Formative Assessment/Evaluation and Summative Performance Rating
4. Background and History
5. View all

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III. 5-Step Cycle & Summative Performance Rating

1. Training

   1. What is required training for educators (SISPs, teachers, administrators)?

      Per An Act Providing for the Implementation of Education Evaluation Systems in School Districts (Chapter 131 of the Acts of 2012), "All school districts required to adopt and implement evaluation systems consistent with 603 CMR 35.00 … shall provide an evaluation training program developed by the department of elementary and secondary education for all evaluators and for all teachers, principals and administrators required to be evaluated."

      DESE developed two educator evaluation training programs: a six-part series of training modules for evaluators and a four-part series of training workshops for teachers. The training workshops for teachers are designed for all educators required to be evaluated, who do not have evaluator responsibilities. This includes (but is not limited to) classroom teachers, Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (guidance counselors, nurses, or school psychologists, for example), and instructional specialists. For more detailed information, please see DESE's Quick Reference Guide: Educator Evaluation Training .

      In 2015, DESE produced a series of videos that explain each step of the 5-Step Evaluation Cycle (the TEEM Video Series and the MA Educator Evaluation Framework videos). These videos are intended to support training on the evaluation framework for new educators and evaluators and may also be used by educator preparation programs with teacher and administrator candidates.

      Per state regulations, "The superintendent is responsible for ensuring that all evaluators have training in the principles of supervision and evaluation" (603 CMR 35.10(4)).

   2. What is the timeframe for required training and is there a required certificate?

      Timelines for training should be determined by the district. The state does not require educators to receive a certificate of training.

Last Updated: August 16, 2018