Teacher Evaluation Overview
A new Minnesota law requires all districts to have teacher evaluation systems in place for the 2014-15 school year.
35% of the evaluation is based on student growth.
- For subjects and grades in which there are standardized tests, a value-added model must be used.
- For subjects that are not tested (i.e. the arts including music) and for non-tested grades in tested subjects, standardized assessments may not be used.
The remainder of the evaluation is based on teacher practice and student engagement (percentages being finalized, with teacher practice being significant factor).
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is required to create a default model in collaboration with education, business and community leaders. A school district may develop their own model (within the bounds of the statute) if it is agreed upon by the school board and the union. If the school board and union cannot agree, the default model will apply. The MDE work group is in final discussions about the default model, which will then go to the Commissioner’s office and through administrative rule-making processes.
Music Teacher Evaluation
MMEA formed a Teacher Evaluation Task Force of current and past MMEA Board members. To date, the group has focused on providing input to the Work Group on the default model. We have had some success in impacting early drafts.
The upcoming MMEA Midwinter Clinic will include an update on Teacher Evaluation in Minnesota, plus several sessions on assessment in the music classroom. The MMEA Task Force is also discussing other potential ways to support music educators, including a website of sample rubrics and assessments, small workshops during the summer months, and articles in our journal. We have already committed to a major focus on this topic for our 2014 Midwinter Clinic.
Links:
The Minnesota Department of Education Teacher Evaluation Default Model: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/EducEval/TeachEval/
(Currently blank because the model is being developed.)
