Observation/Evaluation Guidelines

There are two purposes for teacher observation and evaluation; first and most important, the ongoing improvement of instructional practices by individual teachers and secondly for consideration of contract renewal of faculty and staff.

Observations

• Observations will be done on both formal and informal bases. Formal observations will last a class period or through a lesson cycle. A follow-up conference between the teacher and principal will be held. Written feedback with observed strengths and areas for growth will be discussed and signed by the teacher and principal. Formal observations may be announced or unannounced.
• New teachers will have a formal observation during the first semester. Additional observations may be conducted.
• Returning teachers will be observed at least once each year.
• Teachers may request observations in an effort to work on instructional improvement goals or to highlight contractual improvement goals.
• All faculty will participate in one scheduled peer observation during the school year. Department heads and grade-level coordinators will conduct observations to provide instructional support to their team colleagues, as needed.

Evaluations

• Returning teachers will receive a written evaluation by year’s end.
• Additional evaluations will be given as needed. Information used to make these performance assessments will include formal and informal observations, teacher instructional improvement plans, instructional methods and curricular goals and objectives. The principal and teacher will meet and discuss the evaluations. The evaluation will be included in the permanent personnel file. Copies will be given to teachers electronically.

Personal Professional Development Plan

• Teachers must apply for, receive, and stay current with ACSI teacher certification. New teachers must apply for their temporary certification within the first month of school and progress toward obtaining their standard certification to be received within 5 years of the date of hire.
• All first-year teachers will participate in a new faculty Cohort group to receive group training throughout the year, including biblical worldview instruction. The training will receive CEU credit toward ACSI certification renewal requirements.
• During the first month of school, teachers and principals will identify goals for professional growth. If the school-wide improvement plan and curricula plans address areas concerning all teachers, individual improvement plans may be developed around those areas. If not, teachers may select curriculum or instructional techniques to learn, implement, or improve. Principals will facilitate the plan and will use the plan in evaluation.

Instructional Assistant Evaluations

An annual self-evaluation and evaluation by a supervisor will be performed in May on all Instructional Assistants. Copies are emailed to the employee’s personnel file, the employee being evaluated and the supervisor.

Non-Faculty Evaluations

An annual self-evaluation and evaluation by a supervisor will be performed in March on all administrative and aftercare staff. Copies are emailed to the employee’s personnel file, the employee being evaluated, and the supervisor. Evaluations are done electronically through the ADP.