Collaborative Assessment
System for Teachers (CAST) is a new
evaluation system to be used by teachers beginning in
2011-2012. It has been developed using criteria
identified by Senate Bill 736, also known as the
“Student Success Act”.
Below find answers to the most
frequently asked questions about CAST:
CAST
Q:
What is CAST?
A:
CAST is the new evaluation system for teachers.
CAST is the acronym for Collaborative Assessment
System for Teachers.
Q:
What makes the new system collaborative?
A:
Working together with the administrator to talk
about instruction during the pre and post
observation conference.
Q:
Why was a new evaluation system needed?
A:
A new evaluation system was needed based on
assessment criteria identified in Senate Bill
736, also known as the “Student Success Act” and
to meet the requirements in the Race to The Top
grant.
Rubric
Q: What are the different performance ratings?
A: The performance ratings are Highly
Effective, Effective, Developing/Needs
Improvement, and Unsatisfactory.
A:
There are 4 domains. Domain 1 is Planning and
Preparation; Domain 2 is The Classroom
Environment; Domain 3 is Instruction; and
Domain 4 is Professional Responsibilities.
Q:
How many components are there?
A:
There are 14 components. Domain 1 has 4
components; Domain 2 has 3 components; Domain 3
has 3 components; and Domain 4 has 4 components.
Q:
What percentage is each domain worth?
A: Domain 1 is worth 20%; Domain 2 is worth 20%;
Domain 3 is worth 40%; and Domain 4 is worth
20%.
Q:
Where can I get more information on the
evaluation tool?
Q: How will this new system/rubric apply
to guidance, media and resource teachers (P.E.,
music, art) etc.?
A:
Guidance and media will use their own evaluation
tool and art, music and P.E. teachers will use
the CAST system.
Observations
Q: How many observations will I have this year?
A:
The number of observations will depend upon the
category to which you belong.
Q: What is the difference between a formal and
informal observation?
A: A formal observation is a minimum of 30 minutes
and includes a pre and post-observation
conference. An informal observation is between
15 and 25 minutes long and includes a
post-conference.
Q: Do I need to prepare for the pre and
post-observation conference?
A: Yes, the teacher must be prepared to answer
questions that are listed on the
pre-observation
conference form. Additionally, the teacher must
bring the lesson plan to the pre-observation
conference. In the post-observation conference, the teacher
will reflect on the delivery of the lesson and
be prepared to answer questions on the
post-observation conference form.
Q: When does the post-observation conference take place?
A: The post-observation conference will take place within 5
days of the observation.
Q: What is the difference between an observation
and an evaluation?
A: Observations take place throughout the school
year. A school administrator observes your
classroom using the rubric or a portion of the
rubric, and then provides feedback on that
lesson. In an evaluation, the school
administrator uses both formal and informal
observation data to determine a final rating for
each component of the rubric. This will be done
after a review of all observation data collected
throughout the school year. All evaluations must
be completed by April 30.
Evaluation/Student Growth
Q: Will my test scores be compared to other
teachers within the district?
A: No, your test scores will not be compared to
other teachers within the district.
Q: Is FAIR going to be used as the assessment tool
for grades K-2?
A:
Yes, FAIR will be used as the assessment tool
for grades K-2. The Probability of Success and
Reading Comprehension will be used to determine
student gains. Teachers that are teaching ONLY
mathematics will need to assess their students
on the newly created CAST pre-test mathematics
as will all the other students in that grade
level.
Q: Will MAP continue?
A: MAP will not continue after the 2010-2011 school
year.
Q:
How will student growth be determined?
A: Student growth will be determined by using 3
years worth of student data.
Q: Where does the student data come from?
A: The student data comes from FCAT, end of course
exams and MAP tests.
Q: What percentage of my evaluation will be based
on student growth?
A: 50% of a teacher’s evaluation will be based on
student growth and 50% will be based on
principal’s evaluation.
Q: When will I get my final over-all evaluation?
A: Because we have to wait on test scores
from the state, it could be summer or even early
fall.
Q: Can my administrator observe a specific domain
prior to my evaluation?
A: A school administrator may observe a specific
domain prior to your evaluation.
Q: What is value added?
A: Value added is the
difference between the
actual performance of a student after a
specified period of time and the expected
(predicted) performance of the student based on
the student’s prior performance. For example, if
a 4th grade student scored 200 on the
FCAT last year, it is predicted that the student
will score 300 on this year’s FCAT. If the
student’s score is above the predicated score,
the difference is the “value added” and is
attributed to the teacher's effectiveness in
working with that student.
Q: What variables does the model use in
determining the predictive score?
A:
The variables are:
ü
Number of subject-relevant courses in which the
student is enrolled
ü
Up to two prior years of achievement scores
ü
Students with Disabilities (SWD) status
ü
English Language Learner (ELL) status
ü
Gifted status
ü
Attendance
ü
Mobility (number of transitions)
ü
Difference from modal age in grade (as an
indicator of retention)
ü
Class size
ü
Homogeneity of entering test scores in the class
Q:
How is my student growth measured?
A:
Student growth is measured based on growth from
Student growth is measured based on growth from
the pre test to the post test.
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