Identifying Effective Teachers Policy
Minnesota does not connect tenure decisions to evidence of teacher effectiveness.
Minnesota has a three-year probationary period. At the conclusion of this period, the school board consults with the peer review committee charged with evaluating the probationary teacher to determine whether to renew the annual contract. The board and an exclusive representative of the teachers in the school district must develop a peer review process for probationary teachers through joint agreement.
Ensure evidence of effectiveness is the preponderant criterion in tenure decisions.
Minnesota should make evidence of effectiveness, rather than the number of years in the classroom, the most significant factor when determining this leap in professional standing.
Require a longer probationary period.
Minnesota should extend its probationary period, ideally to five years. This would allow for an adequate collection of sufficient data that reflect teacher performance.
Minnesota recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.