The revised Teacher Evaluation process is still being developed by the FCPS Teacher Evaluation Task Force. The FEA representative assembly has developed a set of principles to guide our advocacy on the evaluation process. Principals have received direction from Dr. Rich Moniuszko, Deputy Superintendent in the form of this message:

PRINCIPALS’ PREVIEW #94
December 22, 2011
Teacher Evaluation Task Force

The group of teachers, principals and other FCPS staff and community members continues to work on the process, and has now posted two items for review and comments:

• FCPS Purposes for Teacher Evaluation
• Key elements for Virginia Standards 1-5

Consistent with the literature regarding teacher effectiveness, the Task Force listed five overarching  purposes for the revised FCPS Teacher Evaluation process:

1. Support a positive working environment featuring communication between the teacher and evaluator that promotes continuous professional growth and improved student outcomes.

2. Promote self-growth through a variety of opportunities such as goal-setting, reflection, action research, and professional development plans that contribute to instructional effectiveness and overall professional performance.

3. Provide timely, constructive feedback to teachers to improve the quality of instruction and ensure accountability for classroom performance and teacher effectiveness.

4. Support induction, staff development, leadership development, recognition, retention and selection of staff.

5. Support collaborative teams and processes that contribute to successful achievement of goals and objectives defined in the school division’s educational plan.

The Task Force also has agreed on the Key Elements that will define each of the first six Virginia Standards for Teacher Evaluation.  The draft document can be found at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/supt/corner/teacherevaltaskforce/keyelements.doc.  Standard 7 is still being debated, and I’ll provide you with the latest information in the next Principals’ Preview.

Additional information and materials can be viewed on the Principals’ Corner as we work to develop a new teacher evaluation program to be in compliance with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) standards by July 1, 2012.

Since the Task Force is now at the point where there are work products for review and comment, a monthly newsletter, talking points, and a presentation that you can use with your teachers are now available at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/supt/corner/teacherevaltaskforce/index.shtml.

The task force meets biweekly and the Principals’ Corner will be updated frequently to keep you and your teachers up-to-date with the progress. Comments, questions and other feedback on the work of the Task Force are encouraged, and should be sent to HRQuestions [at] fcps [dot] edu.