September
- Meet with all staff and interested stakeholders.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Teacher Performance Appraisal system, provide an overview and timelines for the Teacher Performance Appraisal process and the Annual Learning Plan.
- Distribute subsequent memos to review details and updates.
- Map out the year early in the fall with the list of teachers to be evaluated.
- Tentatively schedule Teacher Performance Appraisals throughout the school year on a school calendar and personal planner.
- Start with teachers who are newly hired, new to the school, new to the board.
- Keep in mind important dates such as September re-organization, special school events, EQAO assessment date and holidays.
Throughout the School Year
- Meet with teacher groups involved in the appraisal process, organized so that new teachers and their mentors are in one group and experienced teachers are in another.
- Promote early data gathering by teachers and suggest ways to organize materials and artifacts.
- Use informal walk-throughs to gather information.
- Collect data continuously over time.
- Focus discussions on identification of look-fors appropriate for each group, preparing for the pre-observation meeting with sample questions and lessons observations, and the evidence teachers provide to demonstrate the competencies.
End-of-Year Review
- Finalize and forward all completed TPAs to district office.
- Have staff review the process, revise and add strategies for improvement to use with future groups.
September of Next School Year
- Repeat the cycle.
- Promote early data gathering by teachers and suggest ways to organize materials and artifacts.
- Use informal walk-throughs to gather information.
- Collect data continually over time.
It is critical to know and follow legislated and board procedures.
Resources
New Teacher Induction Program: Induction Elements Manual,
Ontario Ministry of Education (www.edu.gov.on.ca)
Teacher Performance Appraisal: Technical Requirements Manual,
Ontario Ministry of Education (www.edu.gov.on.ca)
Workshops
Experienced Teacher Performance Appraisal,
Ontario Principals’ Council (www.principals.ca)
Further Reading
Danielson, C. (2002). Enhancing professional practice: A framework for teaching. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Danielson, C. (1996). Enhancing student achievement: A framework for school improvement. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.