School district improving the process for teacher evaluations

In Libby school district, the process of supervision and evaluation is a cooperative effort between teachers and supervisors in which they share the responsibility for improving the quality of education provided our students.  

This year, after months of collegiate planning, the district is piloting a revised evaluation process for teachers. A rubric defines levels of competency for six standards: preparation and content; instructional strategies, environment for learning, student assessment and progress monitoring, collaborative relationship and professional development.  

The competency ratings are: does not meet standards (1); needs improvement (2); proficient (3); and exceptional (4).

In the revised process, each teacher does a self-evaluation using the rubric with the intent of pinpointing areas of strength as well as areas he/she feels may need added attention. Their supervisor also does an evaluation based on observations made in the classroom/school. A conference follows to provide collaborative feedback and planning.  

 If the teacher receives a rating of 2 (two) or less in any one of the six standards, a plan of assistance is provided by the supervisor. The plan is monitored to determine whether its goals are met and, if not, the personnel action process continues.

Since this is a pilot year for the revised process, a committee will review and make recommendations for improvement this spring/summer. The evaluation document is available in the superintendent’s office if you would like to see it in its entirety.

(Ellen Johnston, Board Trustee)