Common use of EVALUATION OF TEACHER PERFORMANCE Clause in Contracts

EVALUATION OF TEACHER PERFORMANCE. The parties agree that the primary objective of the program to evaluate teacher performance is to improve the quality of instruction. Further, the parties recognize the importance and value of a procedure for assisting and evaluating the progress and success of both non-tenured and tenured teachers. Evaluation of teacher performance shall be done by the Principal or the Superintendent and must be based on his/her own observations. No other personnel or their observations shall be used in this evaluation procedure unless agreed to by the teacher. Each teacher, during the first four (4) weeks of employment each year shall be oriented to the evaluation procedures and criteria upon which he/she will be evaluated, and who may observe and evaluate his/her teaching performance. The evaluation procedure is based on the Montana Office of Public Instruction recommended procedure. At least one pre-observation conference should be held between the evaluator and the teacher, for each Announced Observation, so that the evaluator can be apprised of the teacher’s objectives, methods and materials planned for the teaching-learning situation to be evaluated. Each written evaluation of a teacher’s performance will be preceded by an observation of a particular teaching period. Each Announced Observation will be for a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes to a whole class period. Each Announced or Unannounced Observation of a teacher should be followed by a personal conference between the teacher and his/her evaluator for the purpose of discussing the observation. The evaluator shall not unduly interfere with the normal teaching-learning situation process while observing. A copy of the written evaluation of the teacher’s performance shall be given to the teacher and a conference held between the teacher and the evaluator within ten (10) school days of the Announced Classroom Observation on which it is based. If the teacher believes the evaluation is incomplete or inaccurate, he/she may submit his/her objectives in writing which shall be attached to the file copy of the evaluation report. If an evaluator finds a teacher needing additional development and growth, the teacher will be provided the definite, positive recommendations to correct professional difficulties and reasonable time to incorporate the recommended changes. Written evaluations on the performance of teachers will be completed before the end of March and follow the schedule below: Schedule of formal Announced teacher evaluations: Non-tenured- two (2) visits annually. Tenured- one (1) visit annually. Teachers may request additional evaluations. Written evaluations may also be done from Unannounced Observations and from Walk through Observations. These may be done at any time during the school year. The evaluator will have a conference between the teacher and the evaluator, within five (5) school days, over any documented observation done by the evaluator. If the teacher believes the evaluation is incomplete or inaccurate, he/she may submit his/her objections in writing which shall be attached to the file copy of the evaluation report. All evaluations of the performance of a teacher shall be conducted openly and with the full knowledge of the teacher. The use of eavesdropping, public address or audio systems and similar devices shall be strictly prohibited. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent a Superintendent or Principal from periodically visiting a classroom, laboratory or teaching period at any time unannounced, and documenting the activities.

EVALUATION OF TEACHER PERFORMANCE. 1. The parties agree that the primary objective of the program to evaluate teacher performance is to improve the quality of instruction. Further, the parties recognize the importance and value of a procedure for assisting and evaluating the progress and success of both non-tenured and tenured teachers. 2. Evaluation of teacher performance shall be done by the Principal or the Superintendent and must be based on his/her own observations. No other personnel or their observations shall be used in this evaluation procedure unless agreed to by the teacher. 3. Each teacher, during the first four (4) weeks of employment each year shall be oriented to the evaluation procedures and criteria upon which he/she will be evaluated, and who may observe and evaluate his/her teaching performance. The evaluation procedure is based on the Montana Office of Public Instruction recommended procedure. 4. At least one pre-observation conference should be held between the evaluator and the teacher, for each Announced Observation, so that the evaluator can be apprised of the teacher’s objectives, methods and materials planned for the teaching-learning situation to be evaluated. 5. Each written evaluation of a teacher’s performance will be preceded by an observation of a particular teaching period. Each Announced Observation will be for a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes to a whole class period. 6. Each Announced or Unannounced Observation of a teacher should be followed by a personal conference between the teacher and his/her evaluator for the purpose of discussing the observation. 7. The evaluator shall not unduly interfere with the normal teaching-learning situation process while observing. 8. A copy of the written evaluation of the teacher’s performance shall be given to the teacher and a conference held between the teacher and the evaluator within ten (10) school days of the Announced Classroom Observation on which it is based. If the teacher believes the evaluation is incomplete or inaccurate, he/she may submit his/her objectives in writing which shall be attached to the file copy of the evaluation report. 9. If an evaluator finds a teacher needing additional development and growth, the teacher will be provided the definite, positive recommendations to correct professional difficulties and reasonable time to incorporate the recommended changes. 10. Written evaluations on the performance of teachers will be completed before the end of March and follow the schedule below: Schedule of formal Announced teacher evaluations: : a. Non-tenured- two (2) visits annually. . b. Tenured- one (1) visit annually. . c. Teachers may request additional evaluations. 11. Written evaluations may also be done from Unannounced Observations and from Walk through Observations. These may be done at any time during the school year. The evaluator will have a conference between the teacher and the evaluator, within five (5) school days, over any documented observation done by the evaluator. If the teacher believes the evaluation is incomplete or inaccurate, he/she may submit his/her objections in writing which shall be attached to the file copy of the evaluation report. 12. All evaluations of the performance of a teacher shall be conducted openly and with the full knowledge of the teacher. The use of eavesdropping, public address or audio systems and similar devices shall be strictly prohibited. 13. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent a Superintendent or Principal from periodically visiting a classroom, laboratory or teaching period at any time unannounced, and documenting the activities.