Manasquan Preparing for New Teacher Evaluation System

The following letter was distributed to parents and guardians of Manasquan School District students last week:

Dear Parent:

The New Jersey Department of Education has moved towards a statewide teacher evaluation system. This initiative, Excellent Educators for New Jersey, grew out of the belief that high quality educators are the most important in-school factor affecting student achievement. The goal is to help schools develop a system that will provide meaningful feedback and actionable data to help all teachers continuously improve their practice.

Last year a group of schools from across the state worked to design and implement a new teacher evaluation system. A second group will continue to pilot the program which has been modified based on the suggestions of the initial group. Statewide implementation of this new teacher evaluation system will occur in the 2013-2014 school year.

The Manasquan administrators and teachers have been preparing for the new model. We believe our students deserve the best and therefore we will always give our best. Using one of the state approved evaluation tools, the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching, this committee, the District Evaluation Advisory Committee, along with the administration and teaching staff are identifying our educational strengths and areas needing attention. We are also being trained in the art of observation and providing appropriate feedback and professional development for all teachers. Our ongoing efforts will enable us to promote the best teaching practices already present in the district, continue the pursuit of innovative, effective methodology and professional growth, and sustain high student achievement and growth.

Additional information can be found on our website, http://www.manasquanschools.org, under About Us, teacher evaluation. Questions, comments or concerns can be sent to ee4nj@manasquanboe.org

Manasquan School District Evaluation Advisory Committee