Board waives second formal observation for 94 teachers under Project Momentum

The Douglas Unified School District governing board voted to waive the requirement for a second formal classroom observation for 94 continuing teachers under ARS 15-531(g). Administration presented a list of recommended teachers and explained the waiver was requested because principals and Project Momentum supports provide additional coaching, informal walkthroughs and quarterly, schoolwide goals.

School leaders described Project Momentum as a biweekly coaching and support partnership that supplements internal walkthroughs and gives teachers targeted feedback. A principal involved in the program said instructional rounds and collaborative goal-setting help teachers improve instruction and that the second formal observation is a culmination of that work. “So it’s helping with student growth as a collective team,” a Project Momentum representative said while describing how the program provides an additional set of instructional eyes.

Board members asked about the Danielson rubric and whether waiving the second observation reduced evaluative standards; administrators said the Danielson tool is used and that principals may still conduct second observations when concerns arise. HR staff confirmed principals retain discretion to require additional evaluations for any teacher.

The motion to approve the waiver was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The action affects continuing teachers recommended by principals and does not remove administrators’ ability to perform further evaluations where improvement is necessary.