A Guide For Policymakers 2016 - 17 | Page 22

teacher evaluation uses the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) to measure student learning growth from one year to the next.27 • Teacher portfolio models have been developed for teachers of fine arts, physical education, world languages, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. Portfolios are collections of information about teaching practice including lesson plans, student assignments, videotapes, student growth data, and formal or informal evaluations. Portfolios encourage self-reflection and growth, but are also be used as a component for evaluating teachers in non-tested subjects.28 TVAAS allows for the creation of individual growth scores for teachers who teach a state-tested subject, such as math or English language arts. However, other teachers who teach an untested subject, such as art or K-2, do not have individual growth scores. In most cases, teachers of untested subjects have a school-wide growth measure included in their evaluation. In addition, evaluations include classroom observations, other student achievement data, and—in some cases—student surveys.29 Teacher Evaluation Components in Tennessee Teachers with Individual Growth Scores Teachers without Individual Growth Scores TVAAS 35% 25% (school-wide growth measures) Other Student Achievement Data 15% 15% Qualitative measures including teacher observations, student perception surveys, personal conferences, etc. 50% 60% Measure 21 | P U B L I C E D U C AT I O N I N T E N N ES S E E