Collaborative Assessment
System for Teachers (CAST) is an
evaluation system used by teachers beginning in
2011-2012. It has been developed using criteria
identified by Senate Bill 736, also known as the
"Student Success Act."
Below find answers to the most
frequently asked questions about CAST:
CAST
Q:
What is CAST?
A:
CAST is the evaluation system for teachers.
CAST is the acronym for Collaborative Assessment
System for Teachers.
Q:
What makes the system collaborative?
A:
Working together with the administrator to talk
about instruction during the pre- and post-observation conference.
Q:
Why was the evaluation system needed?
A:
The evaluation system was needed based on
assessment criteria identified in Senate Bill
736, also known as the "Student Success Act" and
to meet the requirements in the Race to the Top
grant.
Rubric
Q: What are the different performance ratings?
A: The performance ratings are Highly
Effective, Effective, Developing/Needs
Improvement and Unsatisfactory.
A:
There are 4 domains. Domain 1 is Planning and
Preparation; Domain 2 is The Classroom
Environment; Domain 3 is Instruction; and
Domain 4 is Professional Responsibilities.
Q:
How many components are there?
A: There are 22 components. Domain 1 has
6
components; Domain 2 has 5 components; Domain 3
has 5 components; and Domain 4 has 6 components.
Q:
What percentage is each domain worth?
A: Domain 1 is worth 20%; Domain 2 is worth 20%;
Domain 3 is worth 40%; and Domain 4 is worth
20%.
Q:
Where can I access the evaluation instrument and document?
Q: How will this system/rubric apply
to guidance, media and resource teachers (P.E.,
music, art) etc.?
A:
Guidance and media will use their own evaluation
tool. Art, music and P.E. teachers will use
the CAST system.
Observations
Q: How many observations will I have this year?
A:
The number of observations will depend upon the
category to which you belong.
Q: What is the difference between a formal and
informal observation?
A: A formal observation is a minimum of 30 minutes
and includes a pre- and post-observation
conference. An informal observation is between
15 and 25 minutes long and includes a
post-conference.
Q: Do I need to prepare for the pre- and
post-observation conference?
A: Yes, the teacher must answer
the
pre-observation
questions that are listed in the portal. Additionally, the teacher must
bring the lesson plan to the pre-observation
conference. In the post-observation conference, the teacher
will reflect on the delivery of the lesson and
answer the
post-observation
questions in the portal.
Q: When does the post-observation conference take place?
A: The post-observation conference will take place within 5
workdays of the observation.
Q: Where do I go to answer the pre- and post-observation questions?
A: Type in "myprofile" on the district URL address bar to access the pre- and post-observation questions.
Q: What is the difference between an observation
and an evaluation?
A: Observations take place throughout the school
year. A school administrator observes your
classroom using the rubric or a portion of the
rubric, and then provides feedback on that
lesson. An evaluation is the combination of the final observation ratings from the rubric and the student growth score for the teacher. All evaluations must be completed by April 30.
Evaluation/Student Growth
Q: How will student growth be determined?
A: Student growth will be determined by using 3 years of student data.
Q: Where does the student data come from?
A: The student data comes from FCAT, end-of-course exams and MAP tests.
Q: What percentage of my evaluation will be based on student growth?
A: 50% of a teacher's evaluation will be based on student growth and 50% will be based on principal's evaluation.
Q: Will my test scores be compared to other
teachers within the district?
A: No, your test scores will not be compared to
other teachers within the district.
Q: When will I get my final overall evaluation?
A: Your final overall evaluation will be available in late October.
Q: Can my administrator observe a specific domain
prior to my evaluation?
A: A school administrator may observe a specific
domain prior to your evaluation.
Q: What is value added?
A: Value added is the
difference between the actual performance
of a student after a specified period of time
and the expected (predicted) performance of the
student based on the student’s prior
performance. For example, if a fourth-grade student scored 200 on the
FCAT last year, it is predicted that the student
will score 300 on this year’s FCAT. If the
student’s score is above the predicated score,
the difference is the “value added,” and is
attributed to the teacher's effectiveness in
working with that student.
Q: What are the variables used by the model in
determining the predictive score?
A:
The variables are:
ü
Number of subject-relevant courses in which the
student is enrolled
ü
Up to two prior years of achievement scores
ü
Students with Disabilities (SWD) status
ü
English Language Learner (ELL) status
ü
Gifted status
ü
Attendance
ü
Mobility (number of transitions)
ü
Difference from modal age in grade (as an
indicator of retention)
ü
Class size
ü
Homogeneity of entering test scores in the class
Q:
How is my student growth measured?
A:
Student growth is measured by pre- and post-student assessments.
