State Makes Improvements to Teacher Evaluation System after Second Year of Implementation

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education released a report today on the second year of the teacher evaluation system across the state as part of the process of continuous improvement.

The report details measurable improvements during the 2012-13 school year, including improved teacher perception of the evaluation system, a strong correlation between observation scores and student achievement indicators, and an increase of teachers who received individual growth metrics.

“Developing an effective model for evaluating educators is part of our system-wide effort to develop better conditions for teaching and learning in Tennessee,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman. “We are encouraged by the results we’ve seen so far, and the department will continue to use feedback from stakeholders and measurable outcomes in classrooms to improve evaluations year after year.”

While implementation of the teacher evaluation system in Year 2 was significantly improved from Year 1, the department recognizes opportunities to further refine and advance the evaluation system. As a result of feedback from the second year of implementation, the report details additional changes for the 2013–14 school year. These changes include a more comprehensive and rigorous certification exam for all evaluators, an increased number of evaluation coaches working in regional offices, and a new model for assessing growth for World Language teachers.

Much like the report the department issued in July 2012 on the first year of implementation, this report is part of a commitment to ensure that the evaluation system is studied and modified based on stakeholder input, external and internal study, and detailed data analyses.

The department is committed to continuing to study and improve the system each year to ensure teachers receive high-quality, timely feedback that supports excellent instruction and improved student outcomes.

For more information, contact Kelli Gauthier at (615) 532-7817 or Kelli.Gauthier@tn.gov.