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 North Dakota from the State of the States 2022: Teacher and Principal Evaluation Policies report.
Evaluation frequency: North Dakota requires that all principals are evaluated at least annually. During the first three years of employment, two performance reviews are required per year. Beginning in the fourth year, one review is required per year.
Observation/site visit requirements: North Dakota requires "supervisory observation," which includes any of following: performance observations, surveys, self-assessment, school improvement plans, meeting agendas. However, North Dakota does not ensure that multiple observations/site visits are conducted.
Evaluator training: North Dakota state policy requires evaluator training; however, the state does not require evaluator certification or a process that would ensure inter-rater reliability.
Require multiple observations/site visits for all principals.
To ensure that annual evaluations are based on adequate information, North Dakota should require multiple observations/site visits for all principals.
Require all principal evaluators to be both trained and certified.
All principal evaluators in North Dakota 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.
North Dakota recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.
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.