Teacher and Principal Evaluation Policy
The data and analysis on this page is from 2019. View and download the most recent policy data and analysis on Principal Evaluation and Observation in Maryland from the State of the States 2022: Teacher and Principal Evaluation Policies report.
Evaluation Frequency: Maryland requires annual evaluations for all principals.
Observation/Site Visit Requirements: Maryland does not articulate any requirements regarding the number of times a principal is observed.
Evaluator Training: Maryland does not include any training requirements in state policy.
Require multiple observations/site visits for all principals.
To ensure that annual evaluations are based on adequate information, Maryland should require multiple observations/site visits for all principals.
Require all principal evaluators to be both trained and certified.
All principal evaluators in Maryland should be trained and certified to conduct teacher evaluations on systems that include objective measures. Ensuring that all principals are appropriately trained and certified in conducting teacher evaluations will help ensure that all principals are able to provide their teachers with fair and valid evaluations.
Maryland recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state added that it strongly encourages multiple observations of principals over the course of the school year, and that it requires completion of coursework for the development, observation, and evaluation of staff to earn an administrator endorsement.
7H: Principal Evaluation and Observation
Research demonstrates that there is a clear link between school leadership and school outcomes.[1] Principals foster school improvement by shaping school goals, policies and practices, and social and organizational structures.[2] Principals vary significantly in their effectiveness, and research suggests that high-quality principals positively affect student achievement, in-school discipline, parents' perceptions of schools, and school climates.[3] Further, principals affect teacher retention and recruitment;[4] effective principals are more adept at retaining effective teachers and removing ineffective teachers.[5] The time principals spend on organizational management, instructional programming, and teacher evaluation is critically important for positive effects on teachers and students.[6] Because principals are an essential component of creating successful schools, their effectiveness should be regularly evaluated by trained evaluators on systems that include objective measures. Such systems will help to ensure that all principals receive the feedback and support necessary to improve their practice and, ultimately, student and school outcomes.