This year, 20 volunteer teachers will be evaluated by the Danielson model.

The South Whidbey School District is piloting a teacher and principal evaluation system with a grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Last year, the teachers union and District Superintendent Jo Moccia reviewed three options and were allowed to choose from three models. The two parties agreed on the Danielson model, named for its author Charlotte Danielson, which looks at a teacher’s empirically documented responsibilities and duties. Danielson evaluations are based on a four-tier system, rather than the previous model of satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

As part of the upcoming teachers contract negotiations, how to use student performance as a criteria in the evaluations will be discussed.

By the 2013-2014 school year, all teachers and principals will be evaluated in the district and across Washington.