13.1  Philosophy of Evaluation

13.1.1        Evaluation Part of Education Process

Evaluation is an integral part of the education process. It must be recognized that evaluation is an ongoing process for the entire educational system based on the performance of each individual within the system. The goal of this process is to improve and maintain the quality of services of all certificated employees and to insure an optimum learning situation for all students of the Redlands Unified School District.

The standards referred to in the following evaluation process are the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. Copies of these Standards and their key elements and descriptors of practice will be included as a part of the evaluative process and will be given to all teachers.

13.2 Application of the System Evaluation procedures shall be implemented at the beginning of the school year and the following steps shall be taken:

13.2.1        Adequate Information Provided All certificated personnel shall be given adequate opportunity to become informed about the system at the beginning of the school year.

13.2.2        District-wide Uniformity of Information During the school year, maximum effort shall be expended in the following areas so that district-wide uniformity of evaluation can be a reality:

13.2.2.1     District-wide goals and objectives for instructional levels and/or subject areas.

13.2.2.2     Recognition of district-wide and school-level constraints.

13.2.2.3     Each member of the unit shall be held accountable for only the aspects of the educational program over which the member has authority and ability to correct deficiencies. Such goals and objectives may be affected by class size, case load, abilities of learners, availability of support personnel, the learning environment, supplies, materials, facilities, required travel, and equipment provided. If, in the opinion of the employee, the achievement of goals and objectives is being significantly impaired by such matters, due note of this shall be made in the evaluation. The above data shall be distributed to teachers and evaluators prior to August 15 for YRE Tracks A and B; prior to September 15 for YRE Tracks C and D; and prior to October 15 for traditional sites.

13.2.3        District Pool of Observers A District pool of observers consisting of those permanent certificated employees who indicate a willingness to serve as observers shall be constituted. The District administration shall provide appropriate inservice training for the observers in the District pool at the time they are requested.

13.2.4        Inservice Training – Administrators The District shall provide inservice training for all administrators so that district-wide uniformity of evaluation, philosophies, requirements, and procedures can be achieved.

13.3 Evaluation Elements For all classroom teachers, the basis for the written observation report and the summary evaluation report shall be the following standards for the teaching profession as they relate to the grade level/subject matter content standards for the state of California:

13.3.1 Classroom Teachers – California Standards for the Teaching Profession

Standard 1: Engaging & Supporting All Students in Learning

1.1    Connecting students’ prior knowledge, life experience, and interests with learning goals.

1.2    Using a variety of instructional strategies and resources to respond to students’ diverse needs.

1.3    Facilitating learning experiences that promote autonomy, interaction, and choice.

1.4    Engaging students in problem solving, critical thinking, and other activities that make subject matter meaningful.

1.5    Promoting self-directed, reflective learning for all students.

Standard 2: Creating & Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning

2.1    Creating a physical environment that engages all students.

2.2    Establishing a climate that promotes fairness and respect.

2.3    Promoting social development and group responsibility.

2.4    Establishing and maintaining standards for student behavior.

2.5    Planning and implementing classroom procedures and routines that support student learning.

2.6    Using instructional time effectively.

Standard 3: Understanding & Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning

3.1    Demonstrating knowledge of subject matter content and student development.

3.2    Organizing curriculum to support student understanding of subject matter.

3.3    Interrelating ideas and information within and across subject matter areas.

3.4    Developing student understanding through instructional strategies that are appropriate to the subject matter.

3.5    Using materials, resources, and technologies to make subject matter accessible to students.

Standard 4: Planning Instruction & Designing Learning Experiences for All Students

4.1    Drawing on and valuing students’ backgrounds, interests, and developmental learning needs.

4.2    Establishing and articulating goals for student learning.

4.3    Developing and sequencing instructional activities and materials for student learning.

4.4    Designing short-term and long-term plans to foster student learning.

4.5    Modifying instructional plans to adjust for student needs.

Standard 5: Assessing Student Learning

5.1    Establishing and communicating learning goals for all students. 

5.2    Collecting and using multiple sources of information to assess student learning.

5.3    Involving and guiding all students in assessing their own learning.

5.4    Using the results of assessments to guide instruction.

5.5    Communicating with students, families, and other audiences about student progress.

Standard 6: Developing as a Professional Educator

6.1    Reflecting on teaching practice and planning professional development.

6.2    Establishing professional goals and pursuing opportunities to grow professionally.

6.3    Working with communities to improve professional practice.

6.4    Working with families to improve professional practice.

6.5    Working with colleagues to improve professional practice.

6.6    Balancing professional responsibilities and maintaining motivation.

6.7    Complying with District established, rules, regulations, policies, contracts, and laws.

13.3.2 Certificated Support Staff Members of the Unit

The District shall evaluate and assess the performance of certificated support staff unit members as it reasonably relates to the elements listed below. For purposes of this article, these positions include, but are not limited to:  Counselor, Nurse, Psychologist, Consulting Teachers, and Teachers on Assignment.

For all certificated support staff unit members, the basis for the written auxiliary conference/memorandum and the summary evaluation report shall be the following evaluation standards:

Standard 1: Adhering to Established Procedures Within the Scope of the Unit Member’s Assignment

1.1    Implementing established programs and providing required services.

1.2    Maintaining required records in an accurate and timely manner.

1.3    Complying with adopted guidelines and school procedures.

1.4    Supporting District and school goals and objectives applicable to the unit member’s assignment.

1.5    Attending required professional meetings and assuming share of staff responsibilities.

1.6    Fulfilling adjunct duties as stated in job description.

1.7    Complying with District established rules, regulations, policies, contracts, and laws.

Standard 2: Fulfilling Responsibilities and Duties to Students, Parents, and Staff

2.1    Maintaining accessibility to students, parents, and staff.

2.2    Communicating effectively with students, parents, and staff.

2.3    Working cooperatively with students, parents, and staff.

2.4    Using discretion in handling confidential information.

Standard 3: Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills of the Assignment

3.1    Demonstrating and applying current knowledge related to the assignment.

3.2    Planning work throughout the year to meet required timelines.

3.3    Participating in opportunities for professional growth.

13.4 Evaluation Responsibilities

13.4.1        Teachers – Secondary The building principal/designee assigned to the same site.

13.4.2        Teachers – Elementary The building principal/designee assigned to the same site. Elementary teachers assigned to more than one (1) site shall be evaluated by the appropriate division head/coordinator/principal.

13.4.3        Certificated Support Staff The building principal/district division head or their designees assigned to the same site.

13.4.4        Pool Option

13.4.4.1     The teacher has the option to select an additional individual from a list of permanent certificated employees of the District who have been trained as a BTSA Support Provider or a Consulting Teacher to render one (1) additional observation. This list may include an administrator or a permanent teacher.

13.4.4.2     The District-level administrator/principal has the option to select a person to assist as stated in section 13.4.4.1.

13.5 Evaluation Procedures

13.5.1        Evaluation Period The evaluation period shall commence on the first duty day of the school year and continue through the last working day of that school year.

13.5.2        Goals and Objectives Prior to September 1 for YRE Tracks A and B, prior to October 1 for YRE Tracks C and D, and prior to November 1 for traditional sites, the evaluator will meet with the evaluatee to mutually agree in writing on a minimum of three (3) goals that relate to the State Content Standards and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.

13.5.3        Classroom Teachers The primary focus in the evaluation of first-year non-credentialed, temporary, or first-year probationary teachers shall be on coaching, support, and feedback related to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. Non­permanent teachers shall be evaluated each year, as required by law, in order to determine whether or not the individuals are meeting District and State Standards.

Although feedback may be provided on all six (6) Standards, first-year non-credentialed, temporary, or first-year probationary teachers will focus on three (3) standards, looking at key elements under each Standard to identify specific areas to be addressed.

13.5.4        The Certificated Evaluation Goals and Objectives Form and the Summary Evaluation Report for first-year non-credentialed, temporary, first-year probationary unit members will be based on the following three (3) specific standards:

Standard 1 – Engaging & Supporting All Students in Learning

Standard 2 – Creating & Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning

Standard 6 – Developing as a Professional Educator

The Certificated Evaluation Goals and Objectives Form and the Summary Evaluation Report for second year Probationary unit members will be based on the following three (3) specific standards:

Standard 3 – Understanding & Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning

Standard 4 – Planning Instruction & Designing Learning Experiences for All Students

Standard 5 – Assessing Student Learning

If there are concerns regarding evaluation standards not being addressed in each of the first two (2) years of probationary or temporary employment, comments may be included in the Evaluator Comments section of the Summary Evaluation Report.

Temporary classroom teachers with more than three (3) years of service with the District, who have met the District and State Standards each year, shall be evaluated using the same procedures as permanent classroom teachers. However, they will continue to be evaluated every year.

The primary focus in the evaluation of permanent unit members shall be on coaching, support, professional development, and feedback related to the six

(6) Standards. Teachers with three (3) years of immediately prior satisfactory permanent teaching experience in the District may have available the Observation Format or the Alternative Evaluation Format.

13.5.5        Evaluation of Certificated Support Staff Members of the Unit

13.5.5.1     A mutually acceptable plan using the Certificated Evaluation Goals and Objectives Form between the certificated support staff unit member and his/her supervisor shall include mid-year and end-of­year conferences regarding the unit member’s performance as related to the elements. The plan shall be attached to the evaluation agreement. The evaluator has the responsibility to maintain confidentiality, if appropriate, while evaluating the member’s performance of his/her specialized duties. 

13.5.5.2     Each non-permanent, certificated support staff member of the unit shall be evaluated each year for the first two (2) years. The mid-year conference shall be held prior to December 15 and his/her Summary Evaluation conference shall be held prior to March 1, barring exigent circumstances.

13.5.5.3     Each permanent certificated support staff member of the unit shall be evaluated at least every two (2) years.

13.5.5.4     For permanent certificated support staff members of the unit, in the year of the evaluation, the Summary Evaluation conference shall be held prior to May 15, barring exigent circumstances.

13.5.5.5     The evaluatee’s immediate supervisor, principal/designee, or, in the case of District Office personnel, division head/designee shall assist with positive action to correct any cited deficiencies. Such action shall include specific recommendations for improvement (Assistance Plan).

13.6 Observation Format – Classroom Teachers

13.6.1        Each non-permanent member of the unit shall be observed at least two (2) times per year, once prior to December 15 and once prior to March 1, barring exigent circumstances.

13.6.2        Each permanent member of the unit shall be observed at least two (2) times every two (2) years unless the alternative evaluation format is applicable.

13.6.3        In the event that the evaluatee elects to be observed by an observer in addition to the observer assigned to him/her, this observer shall be requested in writing to the Superintendent/Designee prior to January 15.

13.6.4        Pre-Observation A pre-observation form shall be completed by the teacher prior to each classroom observation. The teacher and the principal may meet to discuss the contents of the form prior to the actual observation. A meeting will be required for all non-permanent teachers.

13.6.5        For both permanent and non-permanent members of the unit, the formal observation report shall be based upon a period of at least thirty (30) minutes unless the observer and observee agree to a different time period. The observee may request specific times for observation.

13.6.6        The observation shall be followed within ten (10) school days by an observation report conference in which the observer and the observee shall review the written observation(s). Any observee who receives a negative observation report shall, upon request, be entitled to one (1) subsequent observation, conference, and written observation report for the requested observation.

13.6.7        For permanent employees in a year of evaluation, two (2) formal observation conferences will be held prior to May 1, barring exigent circumstances.

13.6.7.1     The observee's immediate supervisor, principal/designee, or in the case of District Office personnel, division head/designee, shall assist with positive action to correct any cited deficiencies. Such action shall include specific recommendations for improvement (Assistance Plan).

13.6.8 Observation – Certificated Support Staff Members of the Unit

13.6.8.1     The observer has the responsibility to maintain confidentiality, if appropriate, while observing the member perform his/her specialized duties.

13.6.8.2     Each non-permanent certificated support staff member of the unit shall be observed, or have an auxiliary conference/memorandum form completed at least two (2) times per year, once prior to December 15 and once prior to March 1, barring exigent circumstances.

13.6.8.3     Each permanent certificated support staff member of the unit shall be observed, or have an auxiliary conference/memorandum form completed at least two (2) times every two (2) years. 

13.6.8.4     In the event that the evaluatee elects to be observed by an observer in addition to the observer assigned him/her, this observer shall be requested in writing to the Superintendent/Designee. 

13.6.8.5     For both permanent and non-permanent certificated support staff members of the unit, the observation report shall be based upon a period of at least thirty (30) minutes unless the observer and observee agree to a different time period. The observee may request specific times for observation. 

13.6.8.6     The observation shall be followed within ten (10) school days by a formal observation report conference in which the observer and observee shall review the written observation(s). Any observee who receives a negative observation report shall, upon request, be entitled to one subsequent observation, conference and written observation report for the requested observation.

13.6.8.7     For permanent certificated support staff employees in the year of evaluation, two (2) formal conferences will be held prior to May 1 barring exigent circumstances.

13.6.8.8     The observee's immediate supervisor, principal/designee, or in the case of District Office personnel, division head/designee, shall assist with positive action to correct any cited deficiencies. Such action shall include specific recommendations for improvement (Assistance Plan).

13.7 Alternative Evaluation Format – Teaching and Certificated Support Staff The Alternative Evaluation Format is available to certificated unit members who have completed at least three (3) years of successful permanent experience in the District immediately prior to this evaluation cycle (with the exception of 13.7.3). Once this option has been selected, the evaluatee shall develop his/her plans from the list of options.

13.7.1        The Alternative Evaluation Format will consist of the following: The unit member and the site administrator shall meet to mutually agree on and set goals and establish an evaluation plan based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession or the Evaluation Standards for Certificated Support Staff. The timeline may encompass one (1) year or two (2) years by mutual agreement of the unit member and the site administrator. If the evaluation encompasses two (2) successive years and standards are met, then the unit member will have a one (1)-year interim prior to the next evaluation.

A minimum of two (2) conferences will be scheduled each year as a part of this evaluation format and will be incorporated into the evaluation plan. The purpose of the conferences will be to discuss progress toward the goals and objectives of the alternative evaluation project.

Prior to the permanent unit members’ evaluation deadline, the unit member shall complete Part I – Teacher Self Assessment, of the Alternative Summary Evaluation Report describing the progress toward meeting established goals. Progress toward these goals shall be the primary basis for evaluating the unit member.

Prior to the evaluation deadline, the administrator will complete Part II of the Alternative Summary Evaluation Report.

13.7.2        Alternative Evaluation Format Options In the Alternative Evaluation Format, the evaluatee and the evaluator will meet to discuss and establish the alternative evaluation method using the District forms for goals and objectives. This form will be developed with attention given to the Professional Standards and Artifact Examples. Methods for Alternative Evaluation may include, but are not limited to, the following:  portfolio; journal; video; reciprocal partner; grade level, department project(s); individual project(s); recognized teacher improvement programs; student and/or parent surveys.

13.7.3        Should a unit member receive a rating “Does Not Meet Standards” or “Needs to Improve” in the Alternative Evaluation Format, he/she will be provided with an Assistance Plan and be evaluated using the Observation Format during the next evaluation cycle.

13.8 Complaints Any complaint made to an administrator regarding a member of the unit which may adversely affect the evaluation of the unit member shall be discussed with the member as soon as possible. Such complaints must be related to the member's job performance. Should the administrator or involved member deem it appropriate, a meeting shall be scheduled with the complainant, member, and administrator to review the stated concern. Uncorroborated complaints or information received from undisclosed complainants shall not adversely affect the evaluation of a member.

13.9 Summary Evaluation

13.9.1        Each permanent unit member with fewer than ten (10) years of experience with the Redlands Unified School District, shall be formally evaluated in writing at least once every two (2) years, but may be evaluated each year. Bargaining unit members, who have at least ten (10) years of regular public school experience for which a valid public school credential (K-12) was held and required, who have attained permanent status with the Redlands Unified School District, and who have completed the CSTP Evaluation Process with an overall evaluation rating of “Meets Standards” or “Exemplifies or Exceeds Standards,” may be evaluated at least one (1) time every five (5) years if they are highly qualified as defined in 20 USC 7801. Either the employee or the evaluator may request or require evaluation in any school year.

Each permanent member shall receive a copy of the formal written evaluation no later than May 15th of each school year in which the evaluation takes place. Whenever a Summary Evaluation has been prepared for a permanent unit member, there shall be a conference at which time both the evaluator and the evaluatee shall sign the document. Such conference shall be as prescribed by the terms and conditions set forth in this Article. The conference shall be held as soon as possible but no later than the last working day of the school year.

13.9.2        Each non-permanent member of the unit shall be formally evaluated in writing at least once each year. Each non-permanent member shall receive a copy of the formal written evaluation no later than March 1 of each school year in which the evaluation takes place. Whenever a Summary Evaluation has been prepared for a non-permanent unit member, there shall be a conference at which time both the evaluator and the evaluatee shall sign the document. The conference shall be held with the non-permanent member as soon as possible but no later than the last working day of the school year.

13.9.3        The evaluatee's immediate supervisor, principal/designee, or in the case of District Office personnel, division head/designee, shall assist with positive action to correct any cited deficiencies. Such action shall include specific recommendations for improvement.

13.9.4        Rating System Unit members’ evaluations will be based on a rubric of four (4) descriptors as follows: Does Not Meet Standards, Developing Practice/Needs to Improve, Meets Standards, or Exemplifies or Exceeds Standards. Definitions of these descriptors are explained in the “Descriptors of Practice” included in the Certificated Evaluation Handbook. The evaluator must include narrative comments in the case of Does Not Meet Standards, Developing Practice/Needs to Improve and Unsatisfactory ratings and is encouraged to make comments on Meets or Exceeds Criteria ratings.

For permanent and non-permanent unit members using the Observation Format, a Summary Evaluation which includes two (2) of the five (5) or the three (3) overall categories pertaining to student instruction rated as “Does Not Meet Standards” will equal an overall Unsatisfactory Evaluation. A Summary Evaluation which includes three (3) of the five (5) overall categories pertaining to student instruction rated as “Needs to Improve” will equal an overall Needs to Improve. A Summary Evaluation which includes three (3) of any of the above five (5) categories pertaining to student instruction rated as two (2) or below will equal an overall Needs to Improve.

13.9.5        Rebuttal The evaluatee has the right to initiate a written reaction or response to the evaluation. Such a response shall become a permanent attachment to the copy of the evaluation in the unit member's personnel file. If such a response is filed within ten (10) duty days of the written evaluation, the evaluation document may be modified or corrected accordingly. This process may alter the final document before it is placed in the personnel file.

13.9.6        Grievance If a grievance relating to the evaluation is filed within the exception period [ten (10) days], evaluation materials will be withheld from the personnel file until the grievance process is exhausted. If changes result from the grievance process, evaluation materials will be modified accordingly and placed in the personnel file.

13.10 Personnel Files

13.10.1      The District Human Resources Office shall establish and maintain file(s) for each certificated employee. The file(s) shall be the official District repository for material in the following categories:

13.10.1.1   Materials associated with initial employment, such as applications, transcripts, placement files;

13.10.1.2   Materials necessary for and resulting from a person's employment in the District, such as credentials, payroll, assignment, promotion, transfer, performance evaluation, commendations, recommendations.

13.10.2      Such material is not to include ratings, reports, or records which:

13.10.2.1   Were prepared by identifiable examination committee members;

13.10.2.2   Were obtained in connection with a promotional examination.

13.10.3      Every unit member shall have the right to inspect materials upon request, provided that the request is made at a time when such person is not actually required to render services to the District.

13.10.4      Information of a derogatory nature, except material mentioned in section 13.10.2 of this Article, shall not be entered or filed unless and until the unit member is given notice and an opportunity to review and comment thereon. A unit member shall have the right to enter, and have attached to any such derogatory statement, his/her own comments thereon. Such review shall take place during the normal business hours of the central office, and the unit member shall be released from duty for this purpose without salary reduction. If a grievance relating to such materials is filed within ten (10) days of notification, such materials will be withheld from the personnel file until the grievance process is exhausted. If changes result from the grievance process, such materials will be modified accordingly and placed in the personnel file or eliminated. If no change results, the original materials will be placed in the personnel file.

13.10.5      Upon written authorization by the unit member, a representative of the Association shall be permitted to examine and/or obtain copies of materials in such unit members personnel file.

13.10.6      The person or persons who draft material to be placed in a unit members personnel file shall sign the material and signify the date on which such material was drafted.

13.10.7      The District shall keep a log indicating the persons who have requested to examine a personnel file as well as the dates such requests were made. Access to personnel files shall be limited to the involved unit member, to those persons so authorized by the unit member in writing, and to those administrators and Human Resources Office staff so authorized by the Superintendent. Board members may request the review of a unit member's file. Such a review must be in connection with a closed session of the entire Board. The contents of all personnel files shall be kept in the strictest confidence.

13.10.8      The District shall maintain the unit member's personnel files at the District's central office. Any files kept by the unit member's supervisor(s) shall not contain any permanent material.

13.11         Commission on Professional Competence The District shall release certificated employees who are chosen to serve on the Commission on Professional Competence in accordance with Education Code Section 44944. Such service shall be considered a professional responsibility, and the rights and duties of the certificated employee rendering such service shall be those contained in Education Code Sections 44944 and 45047.