Frequency of Evaluations : Mississippi

Analysis of Mississippi's policies

Mississippi does not address the number of times teachers must be evaluated.

Recommendations for Mississippi

Require annual formal evaluations for all teachers.
All teachers in Mississippi should be evaluated annually. Rather than treated as mere formalities, these teacher evaluations should serve as important tools for rewarding good teachers, helping average teachers improve and holding weak teachers accountable for poor performance.  

Base evaluations on multiple observations.
To guarantee that annual evaluations are based on an adequate collection of information, Mississippi 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. Mississippi 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

Mississippi recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state added that its new evaluation system, which is currently being developed, will include two formal teacher evaluations. A recommendation for multiple informal evaluations is also included.  

Last word

NCTQ looks forward to reviewing the state's progress in future editions of the Yearbook.