Teacher Evaluation System - Polk County School District

adjustments in system processes that pertain to student performance measures applicable to teacher
evaluation may need to be made during the initial year of implementation due to unknown factors
related to the stability and reliability of student achievement data. TEAC may make related
recommendations pertaining to system processes if that occurs. Any changes in system processes
during any year will be submitted to the FDOE for review and approval.
Peer Review Option
At this time, the district Teacher Evaluation System does not include the application of a peer review
process as a formal element of the system that include the application of that process as one of the
metrics in the teacher evaluation process. The TEAC may review the peer review option during year
two of system implementation and make related recommendations as may be appropriate. Formal and
informal peer support processes are established in the district particularly as they related to Category I
classroom teachers.
Evaluation by the Supervisor
The evaluator in Polk has been determined to be the school principal and/or the school assistant
principal. That specific determination is delineated in Article 15 of the Teacher Collective Bargaining
Agreement. An observer in relation to the performance evaluation who may contribute information
pertaining to the evaluation of a teacher may also be the principal/immediate supervisor or an
assistant principal designated by the principal. In rare and usual circumstances should the principal be
unable to perform the role of the evaluator, the Superintendent will designate a certified
administrative evaluator who meets the criteria to perform the evaluations. All personnel that perform
the evaluation and/or observation function must be trained and certified pertaining to the skills and
knowledge base to perform that function. It is noted here also that the performance evaluation criteria
for principals and assistant principals include language related to their quality of implementation of the
teacher evaluation system processes.
Input into Evaluation by Trained Personnel other than the Supervisor
Other than as described in the section above pertaining to the Evaluation by the Supervisor process,
typically, no other personnel will have direct input into the evaluation of a classroom teacher. It is
possible that input could be provided by district level staff pertaining to the evaluation procedure as it
would be related to a formal Professional Development Plan process or other disciplinary process
pertaining to teachers on Continuing or Professional Services contract status as outlined in the Teacher
Collective Bargaining Agreement or delineated in Florida Statute.
District or school support staff that work with a teacher concerning professional development and
learning may provide feedback as it pertains to deliberate practice to the teacher in a supportive or
developmental role. That feedback from school or district support staff may not be provided as a part
of the performance evaluation of the teacher. Only the evaluating administrator may provide
evaluative feedback to the teacher.
Timeline for Developing/Selecting Growth Measures for Additional Grades and Subjects
Type Subjects/Grades Growth Measure Year
FCAT State assessed courses/grades State Growth Model 2011‐2012
Non‐FCAT All grades and subjects Application of growth model data By July 1, 2015
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