The Hawaii State Department of Education and Hawaii State Teachers Association have been working together to update the Educator Effectiveness System (EES). Thanks to valuable feedback from stakeholders, including our members, changes to the system were made to ensure teachers are being evaluated based on their current level of teaching practice, minimizing the workload on the newer teachers in the field with gradual progression over time.
HIDOE issues new teacher evaluation guidance
October 2021
The Hawaii State Department of Education will carry over the previous rating of educators who already have an effective or higher rating this school year, unless they are on a probationary status.
The EES Joint Committee, which includes HSTA teacher leaders, met several times to discuss, modify, and approve the interim superintendent’s initial proposed changes and incorporate additional modifications for school year 2021–22.
“Great things can happen when educators are provided their rightful seat at the table to collaborate on decisions affecting working conditions. This is a shining example of that process at work,” said HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr.
March 2021
During the Hawaii State Teacher Association’s first-ever virtual Institute Week in February, it became apparent that some administrators incorrectly implemented or applied the Educator Effectiveness System (EES) observation which included informal and formal observations, and the artifacts of instructional practice, known as AIP.
As a result of the feedback received during Institute workshops from many educators, it was crucial that the EES Joint Committee teacher leaders addressed pressing concerns regarding observations and the use of the newly implemented AIP to the Hawaii State Department of Education.
May 2020
The Educator Effectiveness System (EES) Joint Committee finalized adjustments to the teacher evaluation, which was noted in the HIDOE memo dated Aug. 14. The latest HIDOE memo, dated Sept. 14, notes the major changes to review, which include:
- The use of Rubric #1 for all teachers for the Student Success Plans;
- The modified EES timeline for Semester 1;
- The alternative method of Articles of Instructional Practices in lieu of classroom observations, and
- The 2020–21 EES Manual.
The HIDOE and HSTA Joint Committee members believe that these temporary adjustments will allow for continued learning and teacher practice during these unprecedented times. Please review the following:
- Attachment 1: Educator Effectiveness System Adjustments for School Year 2020-2021, Aug. 14, 2020
- Attachment 2: Universal Implementation Timeline – Semester 1
- Attachment 3: Artifacts of Instructional Practices (AIP)
- Attachment 3a: AIP Examples
- Attachment 4: SY 2020–21 EES Manual
Related Post: Teacher evaluation changes because of COVID-19 explained, May 8, 2020
Five-year Comprehensive Evaluation Cycle for Tenured Teachers
Utilizing a rollout based on Social Security Numbers (last number of SSN), tenured teachers will be engaged in a comprehensive evaluation every five years, and focus on feedback and professional growth annually in all other years:
| School Year | Last Digit of SSN |
| SY 2019-20 | 2 & 4 |
| SY 2020-21 | 6 & 8 |
| SY 2021-22 | 0 & 9 |
| SY 2022-23 | 1 & 3 |
| SY 2023-24 | 5 & 7 |
Teacher Focus on Student Growth
In an effort to eliminate the predictive nature of expected targets, EES will focus on student-centered growth that assesses what is valued in the school or complex area rather than on Student Learner Outcomes (SLOs). Teachers and administrators will have the flexibility to determine the appropriate assessments and measures of student growth.
With Student Success Plans (SSP), teachers will provide baseline data to establish initial student readiness, as well as the instructional strategies to be utilized. At the end of the term, teachers will provide assessment data that shows student growth, and reflect on their practice as it relates to student achievement.
The School or System Improvement Objective (SSIO) is similar to an SSP and serves as an option for NCTs (non-classroom teachers) only, depending on the nature of their assignment. More information on both can be found in the SY 2019–20 EES manual, beginning on page 27.
Tiered Comprehensive Evaluation Tracks for Emergency Hires, Probationary Teachers, Marginal, Tenured On-Cycle and Off-Cycle
To promote personalized professional growth through data, feedback, and reflection for all teachers regardless of experience and level of performance, EES will diversify the data collection, performance expectations, and support processes for new teachers, including those without teaching credentials, to ensure appropriate supports in the early stages of their career.
| School Year 2019–20 | Differentiated Comprehensive Evaluations | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Cycle | Off-Cycle | |||||
| Emergency Hire/Probationary 0–2 | Probationary 3–4 | Probationary 5–6/Tenured On-Cycle | Marginal/Extended Probation | Tenured Off-Cycle | ||
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Teacher Practice | Core Professionalism | Domain 4 evidence & reflection on student survey and MGP results No IPDP | Domain 4 evidence & reflection on student survey and MGP results No IPDP | Domain 4 evidence & reflection on student survey and MGP results No IPDP | Domain 4 evidence & reflection on student survey and MGP results PDPDP | Reflection on student survey and MGP results (not rated)* IPDP (not rated)* |
| Observation** OR Working Portfolio | Two or more formal observations (one per semester) or a WP for NCT** | Two or more formal observations (one per semester) or a WP for NCT** | One or more formal observations or a WP for NCT | Two or more formal observations (one per semester) or a WP for NCT** | Not required or rated* | |
| Student Growth | SSP OR SSIO | One SSP or SSIO SSP Rubric #1*** | One SSP or SSIO SSP Rubric #2*** | One SSP or SSIO SSP Rubric #3*** | One SSP or SSIO SSP Rubric #3*** | Not required or rated* |
| Final Rating | New rating received | New rating received | New rating received | New rating received | Rating carried over from prior year | |
*At the evaluator’s discretion, teachers will continue to set learning objectives, engage in data team processes, participate in walkthroughs and implement best practices as part of school improvement processes. Such efforts shall not be rated for Off-Cycle teachers and documentation is not required.
**Teachers hired during the second semester shall complete a minimum of one formal classroom observations, or a working portfolio for NCT.
***Refer to differentiated SSP rubrics on pg. 35 for scoring based on teacher experience level/prior rating history.
Teachers who begin the school year On-Cycle will stay On-Cycle for the duration of the school year and will receive a new final rating.
Options for Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDP) to Promote Design Thinking and Action Research for Tenured Teachers in Off-Cycle Years
With a focus on School and Curricular Design, Student Voice, and Teacher Collaboration, EES will expand the ways in which tenured teachers may engage with their colleagues to transform practices, school culture, and teacher leadership to benefit student learning and aspirations. View a sample template here.
Mahalo for your passion and patience
Overall, these changes reflect the Department’s continued commitment to simplify teacher evaluations while ensuring that educators are provided with feedback to inform practice and advance student learning and achievement.
Questions about EES adjustments may be directed to Office of Talent Management, EES Help Desk at (808) 586-4072.
EES Joint Committee