Alternative Educator Evaluation Systems

Background

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) recognizes educators’ professional growth and continuous learning is central to its efforts to prepare students for college, careers, and life success. Over the past three decades, Delaware has implemented the Delaware Performance Appraisal System (DPAS-II), an annual statewide educator evaluation system. In an effort to strengthen the system, the DDOE has refined DPAS-II through feedback (annual surveys, interviews, committees, etc.) from teachers, specialists, and administrators. These refinements have largely provided opportunities for discretion and local control of the system to create an evaluation process that is authentic and meaningful to educators. The Department has structured an opportunity for Local Education Agencies (LEA) to develop an Alternative Educator Evaluation System for teachers, specialists and school leaders.

The DDOE first approved Alt-Systems in the 2013-2014 school year, when four charter schools developed an Alternative Teacher Evaluation Model. These schools sought to dramatically improve student achievement with a more differentiated focus on teachers’ needs, and an increased cultivation of a culture centered on feedback and professional learning. Since the creation of the first Alternative Evaluation System, multiple charter schools and traditional districts have designed and developed systems tailored to their local context.

The Department welcomes applications from LEAs interested in implementing a research based evaluation model and/or developing processes to increase student achievement. 

Applications for Alternative Evaluation Systems are now open. If you intend to apply, please send an email to Melissa Oates no later than October 1st.

Questions?

Please contact:
Melissa J. Oates, M.Ed.
Director, Educator Effectiveness Workgroup
Educator Support
Delaware Department of Education
401 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901-3639
302-735-4179
melissa.oates@doe.k12.de.us