Frequency of Evaluations : Delaware

Analysis of Delaware's policies

Although nonprobationary teachers who earn a "highly effective" rating on their most recent summative evaluation—as well as those who earn an "effective" rating plus four "satisfactory" ratings on at least four of the components (including Student Improvement)—are only required to receive one announced observation a year, with a summative evaluation once every two years, the Student Improvement component is evaluated annually. All other nonprobationary teachers must receive one announced and one unannounced observations, as well as an annual summative evaluation. 

New teachers in Delaware must receive at least two announced observations and one unannounced one, with an annual summative evaluation. It does not appear that the state articulates when the first observation should occur. 

Citation

Delaware Administrative Code 14.106A

Recommendations for Delaware

Base evaluations on multiple observations.
To guarantee that annual evaluations are based on an adequate collection of information, Delaware should require multiple observations for all teachers, even those who have nonprobationary status. 

Ensure that new teachers are observed and receive feedback early in the school year.
It is critical that schools and districts closely monitor the performance of new teachers. Delaware should ensure that its new teachers get the support they need and that supervisors know early on which new teachers may be struggling or at risk for unacceptable levels of performance.

State response to our analysis

Delaware recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.