Professional Learning Network for Supporting Evaluator Capacity

In 2014-15 DESE brought together eight districts to form a Professional Learning Network (PLN) for Supporting Evaluator Capacity. These PLN districts engaged in a deep partnership with each other and DESE to develop and/or refine strategies related to supporting the capacity of their evaluators.

Berkshire Hills Regional School District

Creating a Peer Observation Process to Support Educator Growth.
This narrative describes the initiative that BHRSD undertook as part of the PLN.

Artifacts:

Norms for Collaboration and Peer Observation.
This contains the Norms of Collaboration that inspired Berkshire Hills to create their own Norms for Peer Observation, which is also included.
Peer Observation Process.
This document summarizes the peer observation process developed by BHRSD.
Observation Log.
This form is used for Peer Observations for BHRSD. It includes four quadrants to fill out.
Evidence Form Examples.
These are examples of forms used to collect evidence on standards, indicators, and elements.

Erving School Union 28

Using Technology to Improve the Process.
This narrative describes the initiative that Union 28 undertook as part of the PLN.

Artifacts:

Using Technology to Improve the Process

Hadley Public Schools

Moving Toward Meaningful Evaluation.
This narrative describes the initiative that Hadley undertook as part of the PLN.

Artifacts:

Educator Evaluation Teacher Feedback Survey.
This survey was distributed to teachers at the beginning of the school year to assess what types of concerns teachers had with the implementation of the educator evaluation system.
Teacher Evaluation Handbook — Draft
The purpose of this document is to guide Hadley Public School educators through the evaluation process while providing a framework for thinking about evaluation.

Weymouth Public Schools

Creating "Quick Look" Tools and Resources for Educators.
This narrative describes the initiative that Weymouth undertook as part of the PLN.

Artifacts:

Tree of Growth.
This diagram communicates the framework, purpose, and philosophy that drive Weymouth's evaluation system.
Educator Evaluation Timeline Flowchart.
This flowchart communicates the key dates and milestones associated with the evaluation cycle.
Educator Evaluation Evidence Suggestions.
This resource provides suggested evidence associated with targeted elements from the model teacher performance rubric.

Cross-Site Visit Toolbox

As part of the Professional Learning Network for Supporting Evaluator Capacity, PLN districts were paired up and conducted cross-site visits - the experience was considered one of the most valuable and dynamic aspects of the PLN experience as an opportunity to both share and receive feedback on evaluation practices and systems. The tools below can be adapted by pairs of districts interested in facilitating cross-site visits of their own.

Last Updated: December 16, 2025