State shifts to growth‑oriented teacher evaluations, drops annual reporting requirement

Julie Lundell, a specialist for teacher evaluations and retention, briefed directors on recent code and rule changes and the state’s model evaluation tools. Lundell said the state is encouraging growth‑oriented systems that separate formative and summative years, allow up to a four‑year cycle with specified formative and summative components, and align evaluations to the Utah Effective Teaching Standards.

Lundell said the annual reporting requirement for educator evaluation status has been removed and that charter schools will not need to submit that information to state systems this year: "We won't be collecting that information this year," she told the group. She also described model resources available to LEAs: self‑assessment tools, professional growth plans, classroom observation forms (including short walkthrough tools for targeted standards), and summative evaluation templates for long and short formats.

Why it matters: the shift toward a growth orientation refocuses evaluations on goal setting, coaching, and evidence collection over time. Lundell explained summative evaluations will draw on stakeholder feedback, observations, self‑assessment, professional growth plans and student growth evidence and that charters must still be able to designate teachers as meeting or not meeting minimum effectiveness standards where required.

Training and calibration: Lundell said observer calibration (previously called rater certification) will be offered as an asynchronous Canvas course this summer with video calibration and a field‑practice component; some course elements require classroom access and may be completed after school begins. The state also plans a shorter refresher course for currently certified evaluators.

Next steps: Lundell encouraged directors to review the state's downloadable resources, consider a formative/summative cycle that fits their LEA, and sign staff up for the new calibration or refresher courses when they open.