Educator Evaluations
Evaluations are a mandatory system for all teachers and building leaders within Kansas school systems to receive input, provide self-reflection and goal setting, and is reflective of a continuous improvement model. A rigorous evaluation system is evidence-based and includes observations and evidence of teaching and learning. Transparent evaluation systems are collaborative and provide multiple opportunities for input by the evaluator and evaluatee.
A list of approved evaluation protocols for use by Kansas school systems can be found on the Kansas Evaluation Protocols site.
Evaluation Guidance
A quality educator evaluation protocol will include the following:
1. Continual Improvement
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) believes that high quality educator evaluation systems do more than just meet the requirements established by law. KSDE believes that educator evaluation systems should lead not only to increased student learning and achievement but also to continual improvement of instruction.
2. Meaningfully Differentiates Performance
KSDE recommends four performance levels to provide more clarity and avoid the tendency for rating in the middle.
- Highly Effective--Educator consistently exhibits a high level of performance on this component.
- Effective--Educator usually exhibits a more than adequate level of performance on this component.
- Developing--Educator sometimes exhibits an adequate level of performance on this component.
- Ineffective--Educator rarely exhibits an adequate level of performance on this component.
These levels must be valid measures supported by evidence and/or artifacts including measures clearly related to student performance.
3. Based on Evidence and Artifacts
The evaluation system should take into account data on student growth. Other factors to consider are multiple observation-based assessments of performance, ongoing collections of professional practice reflective of student achievement, and increased high school graduation rates. Use of state assessments is not required for determining student performance.
4. Evaluates Educators on a Regular Basis - Kansas Statutes
Kansas statute specifies the minimum timeline for evaluating educators. Districts will explain how they meet the requirements. The following are links to Kansas statutes regarding educator evaluations and relevant statutory language. (Note: Clicking these links will take you away from ksde.gov.)
Chapter 72. Article 24--Evaluation of School District Employees
5. Provides Useful Feedback
Comprehensive systems of evaluation should provide for clear, timely, and useful feedback which identifies needs and guides professional development. The professional development supports all educators by identifying both strengths and areas for professional growth in order to improve skill in areas of identified need. Districts must explain how feedback is clear, timely, and useful, as well as how it guides professional development.
6. Used to Inform Equity
The evaluation system supports final judgments that render decisions regarding retention, promotion, compensation, and rewards. It should be aligned to educator licensure and help the educator's ability to improve student learning. This information should be used to address an equitable distribution of effective educators.
