In: Georgia Milestones (standardized test)---Out: CRCT---In: TKES---Out: Standardized Tests for Evaluating Teacher's Effectiveness for Student Achievement

The use of the standardized test that was to judge Georgia teachers' effectiveness on student achievement and therefore contribute significantly to the calculation for the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System, and ultimately the teachers' annual TEM score, is on hold - at least for one year.

Look at the article reporting on the State School Superintendent's thoughts here: AJC

Testing: Saying there is an overemphasis on test scores, Woods added, “We must aggressively lessen this burden.” He also wants a longer moratorium on using scores from the new Georgia Milestones k-12 tests, which roll out this year, to retain children or evaluate effective teaching. 

We were also presented with this update at our school.

(Sorry for the educational alphabet soup, but...)  

As I understand it; start out: Annual TEM score for teachers calculated through the TKES process which is composed of three parts: 1) calculations of student achievement gains determined through teacher-generated SLOs or standardized test results, 2) teachers receiving scores (1-4) on the 10 Standards and 72 Elements outlined in TAPS, and 3) student survey results.

Not even 12 months into the system, currently: 1) student achievement gains from SLOs thrown out [research indicates SLOs can be considered neither valid or reliable], 2) student achievement gains from standardized tests thrown out [my understanding: GA Milestone tests have not even been field tested for validity and reliability].  I would not be surprised if the TEM is thrown out before the end of the school year; that would leave TAPS and the student survey results.  I'd vote for keeping the TAPS only....

TLE Electronic Platform

This information is quoted from a document from the GaDOE TLE Electronic Platform dated August 5, 104 [sic] entitled, "Just for Teachers!  August"  All Rights Reserved.

1. Why do I need to upload documentation for every standard?  Documentation is not required for every standard.  Evaluators may request documentation from a teacher when a standard is not observed during a formative observation, walkthrough, or when the consistency of a teacher's practice cannot be established [emphasis added].  The teacher is responsible for submitting requested documentation in a timely manner.
2. Why will my TEM (Teacher Effectiveness Measure) be based on last year's student growth?  Student Growth (Student Growth Percentiles) and/or Student Learning Objectives data are finalized during the summer of each year, and after the completion of the school year and the evaluation cycle.  Therefore, student growth is lagging data and is used in the following school year's evaluation cycle and will contribute at least 50% towards the Teacher Effectiveness Measure (TEM).  [emphasis added]
3. Do the student surveys count a percentage toward my TEM?  No, these results do not count a percentage toward a TEM.  Results of the Surveys of Instructional Practice (student surveys) are used as a source of documentation to assist evaluators in rating Performance Standards 3, 4, 7, and 8 on the Summative Assessment [emphasis added].
4. How much training did my administrator receive to evaluate teachers?  All administrators who perform evaluations on teachers must participate in a GaDOE approved TKES training and pass a credentialing assessment at the end of the training.
5. No one in my school receives Level IV ratings.  Are they impossible to achieve?  No, ratings of Level IV are not impossible to achieve.  Teachers who perform at Level III and go beyond could certainly earn Level IV ratings.  In addition to going above and beyond a Level III rating, teachers must be a role model or teacher leader [emphasis added].