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 Effectiveness in Michigan from the State of the States 2022: Teacher and Principal Evaluation Policies report.
Objective student growth measures: Michigan requires that 40 percent of a principal's evaluation rating be based on student growth and assessment data, beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.
Link to teacher effectiveness/instructional leadership: Michigan requires that if a principal conducts teacher performance evaluations, then his or her proficiency in using the evaluation tool must be evaluated.
Improvement plans: Michigan requires that principals rated minimally effective or ineffective be placed on improvement plans.
Surveys: Michigan requires that if "student, parent, and teacher feedback" is available, then it must be included as part of a principal's evaluation.
As a result of Michigan's strong principal effectiveness policies, no recommendations are provided.
Michigan recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state also provided a link for further guidance on its principal evaluation system.
7G: Principal Effectiveness
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.