Tri Creek board adopts new teacher-evaluation model that emphasizes coaching and evidence of student learning

The Tri Creek School Corporation board voted to adopt a district-designed teacher-evaluation system that shifts emphasis from observation-driven ratings to a coaching model focused on instructional decision-making and student learning.

S6, the corporation testing coordinator and presenter, said the new framework is built on the Charlotte Danielson teaching standards and adds a tiered support structure: Tier 1 for teachers in their first two years (paired with mentors and monthly professional development), Tier 2 for the majority of teachers with three-cycle rotations that provide formal coaching once per semester, and Tier 3 for teachers needing additional assistance with documented remediation plans. "If you improve instructional practice, then you'll see greater improvement in student outcomes," S6 told the board.

Under the new design the district will use frequent, shorter observations and immediate coaching conversations rather than relying solely on rare, longer observations. The model also seeks to triangulate evidence when making high-stakes staffing recommendations by combining teacher-practice evidence, student-learning data, and professional-practice indicators.

Board members asked about workload implications for principals and evaluators; S6 acknowledged the model requires dedicated time from school leaders but argued the redistributed approach will be a better use of manpower than the prior system. Union leadership was consulted in May and again in follow-up contacts, and S6 reported a general willingness among local teacher representatives to move forward with training and supports.

At the meeting’s action segment the board approved the teacher-evaluation framework on a voice vote. The district plans a phased rollout with training for principals and an initial cycle schedule for the coming school year.