The Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System (DTGSS) replaces the state’s previous DPAS-II system for evaluating classroom teachers beginning in Fall 2022. The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) engaged in a multi-year process to redesign the rubric so that it best meets the needs of Delaware’s teachers and students. The redesign occurred in the following phases:
- 2018-2019: Rubric design by a Steering Committee of educators
- 2019-2020: Phase I Implementation to test and revise the rubric, determine potential process changes, develop communications, training and resources
- 2020-2021: Transition year to engage a broad group of stakeholders to prepare to pilot the rubric in multiple districts across the state
- 2021-2022: Phase II to test the rubric and proposed process changes in multiple districts across the state
- 2022-2023: Phase III Full implementation of the new system
Two core priorities drove this work during 2020-2021 transition year:
- Engaged stakeholders: Educators were engaged across the state to learn about the redesigned rubric and to begin to build understanding of the rubric content in preparation for broad implementation.
- Prepared, implemented training: In Spring 2021, DDOE began to train educators on DTGSS in participating districts and charters.
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is piloting DTGSS in the following districts and charter schools. These pilot participants will test and refine DTGSS prior to statewide implementation.
- Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF)
- First State Military Academy
- Indian River School District
- Lake Forest School District
- MOT Charter School
- New Castle County Vocational Technical School District
- Positive Outcomes Charter School
- Seaford School District
- Sussex Montessori School
Sample representation
All Delaware types and geographies are represented in the pilot. The pilot participants also include a representative sample of students by different demographic indicators.
| Percent of Students Who Are: | Statewide | Pilot Districts |
|---|---|---|
| English language learners | 9.6% | 13.6% |
| Low income | 26.7% | 27.2% |
| Students with Disabilities | 16.8% | 16.0% |
| Students of Color | 57.8% | 57% |
Timeline
The 2021-2022 DTGSS pilot will continue through Fall 2022. Districts and charter schools that are not involved in the pilot will continue using DPAS-II for teacher evaluations until Fall 2022.
