Well it is almost time for me to be evaluated. My principal sent out an email asking if anyone wanted to volunteer to go first. Of course, I did not. I don’t like going first {I guess that is my nervous nature. With all the new changes we have had I am just not ready yet. But I know that I am only putting off the inevitable. If you have been following along with me then you know Louisiana has had major changes statewide. We adopted Common Core this year, we have new standards on how a teacher will be evaluated, and my parish adopted new reading and math series this year. Whew, it is a lot to keep up with.
Last year was the first year that Louisiana teachers went through Compass {Compass is what teacher evaluations are called}. Well I guess the first one was not enough, so now they sent a new updated version of what a teacher should be evaluated on {several new things added nothing really taken off}. I am all for evaluation, but some of it is a little overboard to me. In order to be a good teacher you have to score a 3 or 4 on your evaluation. To obtain a 4 is extremely hard because there are so many hoops you have to jump through to get it. Last year I did obtain a 4 {it was very stressful and hard to do}, but I am not so sure I will this year. Not because I am any less of a teacher, but because they went in a changed up several of the requirements to gain a 4. It will be REALLY, REALLY hard to do. Last year was extremely hard and stressful with all the new teacher evaluation. Now with all the new changes again, let’s just say it is exhausting keeping up with it. I feel for the principals too. I have heard numerous principals say that is hard judging a teacher on all of these things at one time.
The evaluation is broken down into 6 different categories and you are scored on each one. Then a grand total is calculated to give you your score. But wait there is more … the evaluation only counts as a percent. Then the state then takes your SLT {Student Learning Targets} {another post for another day on SLT} and combines it together to get final total. SLT’s come from the students testing scores or other formal assessments. I have put some pictures on here to show you all that is required to get a score. They have it broken down so you can see what exactly earns a 1, what exactly earns a 2, what exactly it takes to earn a 3 or 4. Sorry the images are so small, I tried to make them as big as I could. To view the website click here. You may have to zoom in. Notice on the first image they all but say in so many words that getting a 4 will be next to impossible {exact wording: there will relatively few ratings at this level}. To me that wording sounds a little discouraging, because I believe all teachers should aim to do their best not be told it is next to impossible.
So I will do my evaluation again this year and I know I will do good. Whether or not I get 4 or a 3, I know that I am a good teacher. I also know that all the ladies I work with are just as good too!!! I hate that we have to jump through hoops to prove it!!! Don’t get me wrong I think we should be evaluated, but I don’t think it should be such a long drawn out stressful experience.
What type of evaluation do you have to do in your state or county?? I am just curious if yours looks like this. I can’t wait to hear your comments {I heart comments and followers}. I am always interested in how others are doing it!!! As always thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!
P.S. Just a reminder that all my digital papers are on sale in my TpT shop. I am also working on an awesome Halloween activity set. I hope to have it out in a few days. Stay tune for more information. I think you are going to love it!!
I feel your pain…I truly do. We also have teacher evaluations here in Florida. 50% of our evaluations are tied to our state standardized test scores. This is our third year with this set-up and every year the rules change. We follow the Danielson framework and rubric. Looks like you are too. Keep your chin up and take it day by day. It's easy to doubt yourself when they throw all this stuff at us. It's hard to imagine when they expect us to teach when we have all this other junk to deal with.
Alison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
Thanks for the comments and for stopping by!! It is nice to know that you are not the only one!!
Jamie
We have similar wording on our ADEPT standards in SC. However, the most stressful year to be evaluated is your second year of teaching (or first year in the district if you're new to the district). After that, you get evaluated on a Goals Based Evaluation that you help set the goal for. I agree with you about the wording on "4". The top level shouldn't be so "unattainable." Teaching isn't black and white, so why do we try to make evaluations so black and white?
Good luck on your evaluation!!! (Not that you need it.)
– Pam @ Moments to Teach
I couldn't agree with you more!!! Thanks for stopping by!!
Jamie
I'm sorry you have to deal with that! Our state is still figuring out how they'll evaluate us…dun dun dun. I hope they don't go the same route as your state! Isn't it fun when non-teachers and people who haven't been in the classroom for years suddenly come up with ways to make our jobs harder?!
Teaching in the Tongass
Best wishes whenever you are evaluated. Just know that you're not alone in it – I bet 95%+ of us get nervous at the very thought of it!
~Deb
Crafting Connections
Thanks for the sweet comment and stopping by!!