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Evaluator Training, Certification, and Calibration

The DPI training and protocol materials for the evaluators of teachers have been updated for 2023-24. DPI continues to review considerations for possible ongoing training or certification processes.

Certification

Evaluators of teachers must successfully complete training on the 2013 Danielson Framework for Teaching and observation practices before conducting observation of teacher practice. DPI-model evaluators of teachers fulfill initial certification or recertification requirements through the completion of a DPI-created training program (Part 1) AND a collaborative observation activity (Part 2). 

Individual Certification Status

For the 2023-34 school year, evaluators of teachers currently hold a valid certification if they have documentation of any of the following:

  • successful certification or recertification completion in the Teachscape platform after 2019
  • completion of DPI's training activities in 2022-23
  • completion of DPI's 2023-24 training activities

Note: The completion of DPI's 2023-24 training activities provides certification valid only for this school year.

Who should complete the evaluator training?

An evaluator of teachers who:

  • is a new evaluator of teachers in a state model district or independent charter
  • has not yet completed the state's training and is due to complete recertification (four or more years past initial certification completion)
  • does not have records of certification completion

Part 1 Completion Options

Part 1 of the training may be completed:

  • asynchronously online, OR
  • a facilitated group training provided by their district or regional CESA

Local administrators should use the registration, linked in the Training Protocol below, to register for the Facilitation Guide and resources. The Facilitation Guide provides guidance and suggestions for completing three types of sessions for group training:

  1. Half-Day, Synchronous, In-Person Training (approximately 4 hours) for observers who are recertifying and/or with experience with the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Facilitators guide participants through Part 1 of the training activities.
  2. Half-Day, Blended Learning Training (approximately 4 hours) for observers who are recertifying and/or with experience with the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Participants complete Part 1 of the training independently prior to the session. Facilitators then guide participants in extension activities and complete Part 2 of the training activities.
  3. Full-Day, Synchronous, In-Person Training (approximately 7 hours) for observers new to the DPI model EE System and less familiar with using the Danielson Framework for Teaching.

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Need to certify or recertify?
Interested in facilitating this certification training locally?
 

Annual Calibration

Research demonstrates that an observer may be influenced by personal experiences observing in the classroom, and biases or personal preferences may negatively influence impact of evidence collection and feedback. Calibration is a tool to monitor, on an ongoing basis, an observer's accuracy using the Framework for Teaching.

All evaluators of teachers must complete the activities outlined in the calibration protocol at least once annually, unless completing the full certification/recertification training activities in that year.

Keep Records

Employers and individuals should maintain records of completion of certification, recertification, and calibration activities. Upon completion, the certification/recertification training module offers the participant the option to email a copy of completion to an email address for their employer. Local education agency administrations may desire to create, and communicate to staff, a system for documentation submission and retention. It may be beneficial to consult with local legal counsel.

NEW! Video Library for Evaluator Training

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In certification and calibration, observers participate in a collaborative observation activity. If possible, evaluators should conduct these observations in pairs (certification and recertification) or small groups (calibration). It is recommended that these observations occur within a local classroom or using a video of local classroom instruction. Having local context, background, and understanding of local initiatives can provide a richer collaborative experience.

The WI TeachForward Video Library provides options for videos that may be useful to support the WI evaluator training, recertification, and calibration activities. DPI provides this library for use by state model evaluators and other administrators. Please allow up to three business days for response.