Teacher Effectiveness Measure

TEM Components

Teachers have historically been evaluated through a single measure – observation by their principal. The TEM validates a more diverse set of measurement criteria that considers the whole teacher, creating multiple avenues for evaluating performance and growth.In a district-wide survey, 78 percent of MCS teachers deemed these evaluative components important:

Observation of Practice

MCS will implement more rigorous in-classroom observations to be performed by principals and peer observers – both will receive training in evaluation techniques. The goal is for the rubrics used in the observations to provide objective, accurate assessments of teacher performance.Tenured teachers will be observed four times each academic year for a total period of 60 minutes or more. Pre-tenured teachers will be observed six times annually for a total of 90 or more minutes.

Growth in Student Learning

TEM measures individual student growth and improvement rather than comparing student performance to a universal standard of achievement. Initially, this evaluation measure will be based on the Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS) data for core subjects, then augmented with data for non-core grades and subjects. Additionally, it will include student achievement data, to be selected jointly by individual teachers and their principals

Stakeholder Perceptions Surveys

MCS will survey students to gather insights and perceptions about the climate and environment in which instruction is taking place. Questions will be developed around these specific qualities to limit the impact of vague and subjective opinions. In the future, the district will also survey parents and peer teachers.

Teacher Knowledge

MCS is field-testing knowledge measurements for determining what teachers know and understand in their particular subject areas and their pedagogy for teaching the content.

Dr. Hamer's Overview of the TEM:

TEM Components Overview:

Dr. Hamer on the Challenges of the TEM: