Calvert Schools Teacher Evaluation Policy To Be Updated In Alignment With MSDE Changes

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A policy on teacher evaluations is in need of an update due to changes with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

The policy, No. 6306, or “Regarding the Observation and Evaluation of Non-administrative Certificated or Licensed Employees,” establishes the school district’s authority to observe and evaluate teachers to “provide effective instructional programs that increase each student’s achievement.”

The policy does not lay out procedures or implementation for these evaluations, but instead grants the superintendent the authority to develop them. This most recent update brings the policy to the forefront of Board of Education (BOE) discussions ahead of its usual review time, due to language changes at the state level.

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Human Resources Director Zachary Seawall explained during the BOE’s Jan. 15 meeting that the policy is in place to ensure “clear and fair processes” for teachers and other professionals whose role requires an MSDE credential.

The policy currently identifies “certificated” employees. However, MSDE has since changed its credentialing system and no longer uses “certificates” for educators and instead uses “licensed.” Seawall recommended that the policy be changed to include licensed and certificated employees. As teacher certifications expire, they will be renewed as licensure.

As most certifications are good for five years, this process will go through 2028, and until then the policy should include both terms.

The updated policy will be available for public review for 30 days before the BOE votes on the changes.

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