The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is proud to begin the implementation of the newly revised teacher evaluation system, Delaware Teacher Growth and Support System (DTGSS). The purpose of this page is to answer frequently asked questions about the rollout plan. This year, SY2021-2022, nine LEAs are engaging in pilot implementation. In SY2022-2023, statewide implementation of the system will begin. Contact Angela Socorso with further questions or clarification.

  1. What will happen in the 2021-2022 school year?

    The Department of Education will pilot the evaluation system in a representative sample of districts and charters. Participating schools will complete the entire evaluation process according to the new design and will share feedback on the rubric and process. Based on this feedback, the Department will make final changes to the rubric and process before statewide implementation.

  2. When will statewide implementation of the new teacher evaluation system begin?

    Statewide implementation starts in the 2022-2023 school year.

  3. What is the rollout plan for the new teacher evaluation system?

    • September 2021 – May 2022: The Department will offer optional informational sessions each month. The purpose of the session is to provide an overview of the new system, the observation framework, and the process. Information session are open to all educators. Registration will be through PDMS.
    • February 2022 – May 2022: Administrators will begin the process of credentialing.
    • October 2022 – December 2022: Administrators will complete the process of credentialing.
    • August 2022 – September 2022: Administrators will on-board teachers by facilitating a recorded webinar provided by the Department.
    • August 2022-May 2023: The Department will offer optional professional development sessions.

  4. What is the process of credentialing?

    Administrators will complete a seven-day course, Analyzing Teaching for Student Results (ATSR). Instructors from the Research for Better Teaching (RBT) Foundation will provide the training. Completing the seven-day course is the credentialing requirement. There is no credentialing assessment.

  5. When will administrators complete the course?

    Four days of the course will begin in February 2022 and run through May 2022. Between October-December 2022, the remaining three days will take place. Administrators will register for a cohort through PDMS. Cohorts will meet at Collette from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The Department will provide all resources (books, binders, etc.).

  6. What is the purpose the course?

    The purpose of the course is to have a positive impact on student achievement by expanding an administrator’s capacity to influence the quality of teaching:

    • See more: Notice more of the subtle and important things that are happening
    • Analyze with insight: Gather evidence about the impact on student learning of what is going on; pick what is most useful, and provide feedback in the conversation
    • Communicate better: Be evidence-based and convincing in your feedback, using claim, evidence, and impact statements

    Each session will include a focus on:

    • High leverage teaching practices with alignment to the Delaware Teacher Classroom Observation Framework
    • Video analysis of teaching practices
    • Oral and written evidence-based communication about teaching and learning

  7. Districts/charters often hire after the school year begins. What is the plan for these administrators?

    The Department will offer additional cohorts for late hires.