A lesson is considered to be a class observation, whatever is appropriate for the group of students involved. For example, a kindergarten class observation could be shorter than a middle school math lesson. Walk throughs are intended to be approximately fifteen minutes in length and should be at a time when instruction is taking place. Within the TIGER model, walk throughs are primarily unannounced. However, adaptations can be made as long as the minimum amount of time, number of observations, and percentage of announced vs. unannounced visits occur as required by the Tennessee State Board of Education policy.
Category Archives: Process
Can we still use the evaluation process, and this case the TIGER model, to get a teacher to “highly qualified” status?
Yes, the HOUSSE provisions are in effect for an approved alternative model such as TIGER. A full year of the evaluation process is required for all currently approved models (including the state’s TEAM).
Does TIGER pass legal review?
Yes, TIGER has been approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education as an alternative teacher evaluation model for Tennessee. The AIMS TIGER Teacher Evaluation System of Tennessee has submitted an appropriate developer plan to the Tennessee Department of Education. Individual districts utilizing the model have also submitted implementation plans.
Do all teachers have to be evaluated?
Under the statue, the teacher has to be employed for 120 days or more for the state to require formal evaluation. Districts should consider their own policies and procedures and provide local guidance beyond state statute.
During the 2011-2012 school year, non-tested teachers will utilize some version of the school’s value added composite for the 35% of the 50% quantitative rating. See the Tennessee Department of Education’s Teacher Evaluation (TEAM) website for more information.
http://www.team-tn.org/ is the Tennessee Department of Education’s website with information on this and other related teacher evaluation issues.
How will the school’s data affect me as “non-tested” teacher?
During the 2011-2012 school year, non-tested teachers will utilize some version of the school’s value added composite for the 35% of the 50% quantitative rating. See the Tennessee Department of Education’s Teacher Evaluation (TEAM) website for more information.
What will the 50% quantitative portion of the evaluation process involve? How does this fit into the TIGER process?
The 50% quantitative portion of the evaluation rating will be broken into 35% value-added data (or comparable data as approved by the Tennessee Department of Education) and 15% achievement data (as approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education). Decisions regarding this 50% will be determined by the teacher and principal by November 1 with exact calculations occurring later in the school year. TIGER is designed to equate the teacher’s final qualitative score into a five-point scale for the remaining 50%.
What opportunities are available to our teachers who want to progress to a higher TIGER stage and/or move from a Level 3 Effectiveness Rating to a Level 4 or 5?
Lots! TIGER ,as powered by Teacher Compass, provides a rich online professional library that can be utilized by the teacher, by the teacher and coach within their professional relationship, and/or to provide recommendations from the principal to the teacher. Districts also have the ability to link their own documents to the system to provided even richer opportunities for targeted professional learning.
Do I have to make Stage 3 to become tenured?
No. The stages have nothing to do with tenure. However, those attaining tenure in the future would be Stage 2 or Stage 3 only based on how the model is designed.
Do I have to make Stage 3 to keep my job as a teacher?
No. Stage 3 is an option in some districts for additional leadership opportunities. However, no one has to apply for Stage 3. Stage 3 is intended to provide opportunities to work with other adults in coaching type situations without leaving the classroom setting.