Frequency of Evaluations : Iowa

Analysis of Iowa's policies

Regrettably, Iowa does not ensure that all teachers are evaluated annually.

Nonprobationary teachers must be evaluated at least once every three years. The state does not address the number of times new teachers must be evaluated.

Citation

Iowa Statute 284.3 and 284.8

Recommendations for Iowa

Require annual formal evaluations for all teachers.
All teachers in Iowa should be evaluated annually. Rather than treated as mere formalities, these teacher evaluations should serve as important tools for rewarding good teachers, helping average teachers improve and holding weak teachers accountable for poor performance.  

Base evaluations on multiple observations.
To guarantee that annual evaluations are based on an adequate collection of information, Iowa should require multiple observations for all teachers, even those who have nonprobationary status. 

Ensure that new teachers are observed and receive feedback early in the school year.
It is critical that schools and districts closely monitor the performance of new teachers. Iowa should ensure that its new teachers get the support they need and that supervisors know early on which new teachers may be struggling or at risk for unacceptable levels of performance.

State response to our analysis

Iowa recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.