What does this mean for us?

Currently, new and probationary teachers at all levels should expect to have formal, traditional classroom observations several times a year.   The set up for these evaluations is detailed in the verbose article, Teaching for the 21st Century.  This year, expect to be observed a minimum of six times, twice of which will be formally (conducted with the usual pre and post observation meetings).  The other four (and up to seven, however, this will most likely not happen as so many observations is logistically difficult during such the busy school year) observations are informal which means they will not last the entirety of the period and may be as short as 15-20 minutes long.

When observed, you will be rated ineffective (the equivalent of unsatisfactory) or developing, effective, or highly effective (all three of which would fall under the umbrella of satisfactory).

When incompetencies are found in any of the evaluated areas, you may be asked to participate in an online PD or given additional support from a colleague, administrator, coach, or other auxiliary source.  

When you are evaluated next year by similar standards and said evaluation becomes part of your file, you will feel confident that you understand the process by which you are be judged and your instruction will be more effective!