The New Massachusetts Teacher Evaluation Rubric: Actions?

I spent this week carefully analyzing the new Massachusetts Teacher Evaluation rubric elements for Standard One: Curriculum Planning and Assessment. You are welcome to read all of my specific posts (links at the bottom of the page), or you can simply use the information in this post to lead your efforts in a way that will meet Standard One with strength.

I completed a self assessment connected to the nine elements associated with this standard, and then turned the assessment into a color coded action list with the following categories:

With many of the elements' expectations I created a lesson design template and unit design template that leads curriculum planning and assessment forward with the intent and focus of the Massachusetts Teacher Evaluation Rubric.  This was a complex task, but a worthy task since the Massachusetts' rubric represents thoughtful, research-based, student-friendly learning design. On my self analysis document, the areas highlighted in purple represent ongoing learning design work that will be done during the school year independently and with the learning community: students, families, colleagues, leaders, and the community.

A number of expectations related to Standard One need to be planned for and prepared prior to the school year in order to be effective with regard to student learning.  I highlighted those activities in yellow.  The new standards do require substantial school year preparation, much more than the average classroom or subject-area teacher can do in the one or two days of standard prep during the professional year.

Standard One also has substantial implications for professional learning. This will differ from teacher to teacher. I highlighted the implications for my practice in pink.


You are welcome to use the links included on this post to match your professional practice to Massachusetts' Evaluation rubric.  In doing so, you will set the stage well for a proficient or exemplary evaluation, and for a job well done when it comes to teaching children well.

Please don't hesitate to forward comments, ideas, or questions with regard to this work.  I will continue to reflect on the rubric as I tackle the remaining 24 elements.


Reflection Links:

Reflection #1

Reflection #2

Reflection #3

Reflection #4

Reflection #5
Reflection #6
Reflection #7 
Reflection #8 
Reflection #9

Collegial Collaboration
Lesson Planning Template
Unit Design Template