Teacher ​“Mini-Evals” Tested

The Branford School District is creating a new system of teacher evaluations that relies on unannounced ​“mini-observations” instead of scheduled classroom visits that often result in a ​“dog-and-pony show” atmosphere.

The ​“mini-observations” would last 10 minutes at a time. The principal or supervisor would return repeatedly over the year in order to determine how the class is progressing.

Parents and students will also have a voice in teacher evaluations, and student performance will be part of the overall equation.

“This will be a more progressive teacher evaluation plan,” said Dr. Mary Peraro, assistant superintendent, during a presentation at last week’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting.

Peraro is heading up a 17-member team that has worked for two years to devise a new evaluation system. Team members, which include teachers and administrators, have conducted research and discussed issues with other school districts. She said the finalized evaluation plan must be submitted to the State Department of Education by January.

Peraro (pictured left) said the committee is fine-tuning the new evaluation system, and is still trying to determine the best way to include student performance in the equation. She later told the Eagle that teachers will have portfolios on each student that will include ​“indicators of student growth” such as standardized tests, benchmark assessments and student work.

Peraro said this year’s pilot program is focusing on multiple mini-observations at all Branford schools. She said the state suggested that 40 percent of a teacher’s evaluation be based on observations, but she said the committee thinks that 50 percent is a better indicator.

Branford, like many districts nationwide, typically utilized standard observations where administrators announced a classroom visit, and teachers had ample time to prepare.

Sharon Shirley, a high school social studies teacher and team member, told the BOE that the old system of observations often created ​“a dog and pony show” atmosphere instead of a realistic view of classrooms. She said as a teacher she has found the new system very helpful.

Branford Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez said standardized tests only show a ​“snapshot” of student performance. ​“We want to be looking at student work over time,” he told the board.

Peraro told the Eagle that another component of the evaluations will be based on Lesson Study, a process used by Japanese teachers that involves working collaboratively on specific instructional projects to increase effectiveness and heighten student learning.

Lee Panagoulias, principal at Branford High School, said the mini-observations allow for ​“much better real-time data” as opposed to infrequent observations when teachers knew that an administrator was coming.

“It’s a much more effective and meaningful plan,” said Panagoulias, who is also a member of the planning team. ​“Unannounced mini-observations will show what’s truly going on in a classroom.”

Dr. Anthony Buono, team member and principal at Mary T. Murphy Elementary School, said administrators knew the traditional model of observations and teacher evaluations wasn’t working. ​“We know there’s a need to change it,” he told the BOE.

Buono said the new evaluation system will promote learning. ​“This is movement toward empowering teachers,” he said. ​“Effective instruction is key to improving learning.”

Peraro said the district plans to begin surveying parents and students next year for their feedback on teachers.

Student representatives who attended the meeting spoke in favor of asking students to evaluate teachers. ​“I really think that would be beneficial,” said Daniel Borrus. ​“I think we should have our voices heard,” said Aliza Danker.

Frank Carrano (at right in photo), who chairs the BOE, cautioned that students need to be aware of what administrators are looking for when it comes to evaluations. ​“There’s a big difference between being a popular teacher and an effective teacher,” Carrano said.

BOE member Susan Wharfe said she is glad that parents will be asked their opinions. ​“As a parent, you know who the good teachers are,” she said.

The changes in Branford’s teacher evaluation system come at a time when the state is focusing on education reform. Gov. Dannel Malloy is attempting to get sweeping reforms passed before the legislative session ends. Several of his proposals have met with opposition.

Malloy’s initial plan to tie teacher evaluations to tenure and salary by July 2013 met with widespread disapproval. Click here to read a story in the Connecticut Mirror that discusses a compromise by Malloy.

The governor’s new plan would allow one year to pilot a yet-to-be-completed evaluation system in ten school districts before tying it to tenure and salary.

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