LAC 28:CXLVII.307. Observation Tools

A. LEAs must utilize an observation tool to conduct a qualitative assessment of educator performance that will comprise 50 percent of the composite evaluation score for all evaluations. B. LEA observation tools shall adhere to the following minimum requirements. 1. The tool for teacher evaluation shall align to the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching. The tool for administrator evaluation shall align to the Performance Expectations and Indicators for Educational Leaders, contained within Bulletin 146Louisiana Competencies and Standards for Teachers and Educational Leaders. a. The Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching and the Performance Expectations and Indicators for Educational Leaders may be reviewed as needed by the department in collaboration with educators administering the evaluation system and appropriate third parties to determine the need for modifications and their continuing utility. b. The board shall approve any changes made to the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching and the Performance Expectations and Indicators for Educational Leaders. 2. Observation tools shall provide an overall score between 1.00 and 5.00. Total scores on observation tools may include hundredths of points, indicated with a decimal point. C. The department shall develop and/or identify model observation tools according to these minimum requirements, which may be adopted by LEAs. D. LEAs which do not intend to use model observation tools developed or identified by the department shall annually submit proposed alternate tools to the department for evaluation and approval. 1. With the submission of proposed alternate observation tools, LEAs may request a waiver to use competencies and performance standards other than those provided in the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching and the Performance Expectations and Indicators for Educational Leaders. Such requests shall include: a. a justification for how the modified competencies and performance standards will support specific performance goals related to educator and student outcomes; and b. an explanation of how the LEA will ensure the reliability and validity of the alternate observation tool intended to measure the modified competencies and performance standards. 2. The department may request revisions to proposed alternate observation tools to ensure their compliance with the minimum requirements set forth in this bulletin. 3. If requested, revisions to proposed alternate observation tools shall be submitted to the department by the LEA. 4. LEA-proposed alternate observation tools shall be either approved or denied by the department no later than August 1.