What is the status of Teacher Evaluations in Arizona for the 2019-2020 school year due to Covid-19?

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Aaron Kern 2 years 1 Answer 1025 views 0

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  1. Aaron Kern
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    Here is the memo that was sent out by the Arizona Department of Education on Friday, April 10th, 2020 which does not change the law for evaluations except using data from state-wide tests:

    Background
    SB 1693/HB 2910 cancels statewide testing if the Governor issues a statewide closure of schools
    beyond March 29, 2020. On March 30, 2020 the Governor closed schools through the end of the
    2019-2020 school year.

    The school closure and cancellation of the statewide assessment may impact teacher and
    principal evaluation systems; specifically, the frequency of the evaluations and the data used to
    calculate the evaluations. The Legislature did not waive requirements for evaluations. By statute,
    evaluation systems are required to:

    • Result in at least one evaluation of each teacher by a qualified evaluator every school
    year;
    • For both teachers and principals, include the use of quantitative data on the academic
    progress for all students, which shall account for between 20% and 33% of the evaluation
    outcomes;
    • For teachers, include at least one classroom observation unless the teacher is highly
    effective or effective based on the first classroom observation and the school district or
    charter school waives the second classroom observation;
    • Include four performance classifications: Highly effective, effective, developing and
    ineffective.

    As a reminder, the statewide evaluation framework was repealed in 2019. Evaluation systems are
    adopted by local education agencies within statutory parameters, including those listed above.
    Guidance

    • Schools should attempt to conduct an evaluation of each teacher by a qualified evaluator.
    • Schools are encouraged to conduct the evaluation remotely or in any available manner
    that adheres to the most recent guidance from public health officials.
    • If classroom observations are required, schools are encouraged to conduct them remotely
    or in any available manner that adheres to the most recent guidance from public health
    officials. If classroom observations are not possible due to the school closure, schools
    may rely on other indicators to determine the teacher’s effectiveness.
    • Without a statewide assessment, schools may use other quantitative data available, which
    may include but is not limited to, data from benchmark assessments, summative
    assessments, formative assessments, student learning objectives and aggregate team,
    grade, or school-level data.

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