Educator Evaluation

Model Rubric Updates

Since releasing the first Model System for Educator Evaluation in 2012, DESE has supported its ongoing refinement and continuous improvement to ensure its role as an exemplar framework for use by Massachusetts districts.

  • In 2018, DESE released updated model rubrics for teachers, principals and other school-level administrators that streamlined content, clarified language, and strengthened alignment to the important day-to-day work of teaching and leading.
  • In 2019, DESE updated the Model System guidance and resources to align to regulatory amendments that removed the Student Impact Rating and added the Student Learning Indicator.
  • In 2023 and 2024, DESE released newly updated model rubrics for school level administrators and teachers that integrate and strengthen evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining practices1 within the Standards of Effective Teaching and Administrative Leadership.
  • In 2025-26, DESE will pilot role-specific model rubrics for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP).

Rubric Update Project Overview

Updates to the model rubrics for educator evaluation are grounded in DESE's Educational Vision and evidence-based practices for effective teaching and leadership. They reflect input from educators, students, and families across Massachusetts on antiracist, inclusive, and equitable practices that support all students to attain academic knowledge and skills, understand and value themselves and others, and engage with the world.

Once released, districts may adopt or adapt the new model rubrics, or use a comparably rigorous and comprehensive rubric.

DESE hosted an informational webinar about the model rubric update project on June 8, 2023. You can access the presentation or a recording of the webinar to learn more.

Update Process

The rubrics were updated though a collaborative process involving multiple cycles of input and feedback from educators, students, families, and community stakeholders, including:

  1. Roundtables of students and families to discuss the characteristics and practices of great teachers and school leaders.
  2. Educators on the Principal and Teacher Advisory Cabinets advised DESE on culturally responsive practices aligned to the Standards and Indicators of Effective Practice and provide feedback on drafted updates.
  3. Internal and external advisory groups to provide expertise and feedback.

2025-26 Pilot of the Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) Rubrics

In 2024-25, with support from DESE, state-level professional associations for SISP educators convened working groups to develop the first set of role-specific model rubrics for SISP educators. The purpose of these model rubrics is to support high-quality feedback and a meaningful evaluation process for SISP educators.

Using a common framework aligned to the 2024 Model Classroom Teacher Rubric, working groups incorporated evidence-based practices specific to their fields in accordance with current national professional standards when available.

The following SISP rubrics are being piloted in the 2025-26 school year:

  • School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor
  • School Counselors
  • School Librarians
  • School Nurses
  • School Psychologists
  • Speech and Language Pathologists

The pilot is open to all schools and districts. District or school leaders can complete this form to express interest in participating. A training session will be offered in September 2025 and pilot participants will be asked to share feedback through a survey in Spring 2026. Feedback from pilot districts will inform final revisions to the SISP model rubrics for formal release in Summer 2026.

This project has been supported by the following organizations:

  • Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA)
  • Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA)
  • Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO)
  • Massachusetts School Psychologists Association (MSPA)
  • Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA)

1 For information and resources on culturally and linguistically sustaining practice, please see Culturally & Linguistically Sustaining Practices.

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

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