DESE Professional Development & Educator Growth Flashcards

Under the Massachusetts educator evaluation framework, what are the four Standards of Effective Teaching?

Answer: Curriculum, Planning & Assessment; Teaching All Students; Family & Community Engagement; Professional Culture

Massachusetts defines four evaluation standards: Curriculum, Planning & Assessment; Teaching All Students; Family & Community Engagement; and Professional Culture.

What is the role of a Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) program in Massachusetts educator professional development?

Answer: To provide intensive mentoring and support to struggling or new educators through trained consulting teachers

PAR programs deploy expert consulting teachers to provide intensive, job-embedded support to educators who are new to the profession or whose practice needs improvement.

In the Massachusetts evaluation cycle, which rating category indicates that an educator consistently meets the standard at a high level of effectiveness?

Answer: Exemplary

An 'Exemplary' rating in the Massachusetts evaluation framework indicates that an educator consistently exceeds proficiency, serving as a model for peers.

How often must a Massachusetts educator rated 'Proficient' complete a full evaluation cycle under DESE's educator evaluation framework?

Answer: Every two years

Proficient educators in Massachusetts undergo a full evaluation cycle every two years, while Exemplary educators may have a three-year cycle.

Which DESE-supported initiative provides job-embedded coaching and mentorship for educators in their first two years of teaching?

Answer: Massachusetts Mentoring and Induction Program

Massachusetts supports structured mentoring and induction programs for new educators in their first two years, pairing them with experienced mentor teachers for job-embedded guidance.

Under DESE guidelines, professional development that earns PDPs must be aligned to which of the following?

Answer: The educator's license area, school or district improvement goals, and student learning needs

DESE requires PDP-earning activities to connect to the educator's license area, their school or district improvement plan, and the specific learning needs of their students.