Frequency of Evaluations : Minnesota

Analysis of Minnesota's policies

Although a new statute specifically articulates an annual evaluation requirement, it also speaks to a three-year professional review cycle that includes the following: an individual growth and development plan, a peer review process, the opportunity to participate in a professional learning community and at least one summative evaluation performed by a qualified and trained evaluator. It is, therefore, unclear whether what occurs in the years without a summative evaluation will result in an adequate review of teacher performance. 

New teachers must be evaluated at least three times a year, and the first evaluation must occur within the first 90 days of teaching services. 

Citation

Minnesota Statute 122A.40

Recommendations for Minnesota

Ensure annual review of teacher performance.
Minnesota should clarify its requirements regarding the three-year professional review cycle to ensure that a tenured teacher's performance is adequately reviewed, especially for those years when a summative evaluation is not required. 

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

State response to our analysis

Minnesota was helpful in providing NCTQ with the facts necessary for this analysis.