Frequently Asked Questions*

On April 23, l997 the State Board of Education approved a teacher evaluation process that became effective statewide July 2000. The Framework for Evaluation and Professional Growth meets requirements for evaluation and encourages teachers to move beyond their current level of performance by focusing on student growth, self-reflection on areas for their own growth and school improvement. This growth oriented process encourages the creativity of teachers, stimulates collaborative efforts and requires the continuing study of the learning process. The Framework was piloted in approximately 50 schools across the state including more than 650 teachers and 100 administrators/supervisors.

On June 23, 2004, the State Board of Education approved further revision to the original model. These revisions improved both the rigor and structure of the model by substantially increasing its specificity and aligning it with the highly quailified provision of NCLB.

The Framework may be accessed by downloading a .pdf file. Click on the links listed below.

Framework for Evaluation and Professional Growth Frequently Asked Questions

Who must be evaluated?
All classroom teachers, including special needs teachers, vocational teachers, and specialist area teachers such as art, PE, or music teachers, as well as Library Media Specialist, Counselors, psychologists, etc.

What evaluation model must be used?
The State Framework for Evaluation and Professional Growth must be used according to state law and State Board of Education Policy.

How often must a teacher be evaluated?
A teacher with an Apprentice License must be evaluated every year. A teacher with a Professional License must be evaluated at least two times during the ten-year period of the license.

Of what does an evaluation consist?
Apprentice Teachers, year 1&2: minimum of 3 observations per year with feedback and accompanying documentation.
Apprentice Teachers, year 3: minimum of 2 observations per year with feedback and accompanying documentation.
Professional Level Teachers: minimum of 2 observations or Focused Assessment

What is the training?
No one may evaluate a teacher until he or she has been trained in the Framework for Evaluation model. The training consists of 3 days spread over several months. After Day 1 training, the evaluator may begin the evaluation process.

How do we evaluate Library Media Specialists, Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers, etc?
These educators are evaluated through the Special Groups Model and the Library Media Specialist Model, both of which are taught during a special half-day training.

*Information from the Tennessee State Department of Education website