On Aug. 2, 2023, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) issued a broadcast on evaluation for the 2023-24 school year. The broadcast includes educator evaluation rubric weights, key dates, and other annual evaluation-related information.
Score calculation remains unchanged from the 2022-23 school year, as described in the table below.
| Non-mSGP Teacher | Non-mSGP Teacher |
|---|---|
| 70%: teacher practice (observations) 25%: student growth objectives (SGOs) 5%: median student growth percentile (mSGP) | 85%: teacher practice (observations) 15%: student growth objectives (SGOs) |
Pursuant to the AchieveNJ (N.J.A.C. 6A:10) regulations, the median Student Growth Percentile (mSGP) component will remain for certain educators in 2023-24. To qualify for an mSGP, a teacher must be assigned at least 20 students in 4th-8th grade English Language Arts (ELA) or 4th-7th grade Mathematics classes for 60% or more of year prior to the NJSLA. Students must be enrolled in the course for 70% or more of the course duration prior to the NJSLA.
Once again, student growth objectives (SGOs) are required for all teachers and must be set by Oct. 31. For those beginning employment after Oct. 1, SGOs must be set within 25 teaching staff member working days. Non-mSGP teachers must complete two SGOs, while mSGP teachers are required by regulation to set one SGO. Members are advised to familiarize themselves with all local policies and procedures around SGOs as soon as possible.
Districts must communicate evaluation policies and procedures to staff by Oct. 1 annually, as set forth at N.J.A.C. 6A:10-2.4; this includes information on evaluation rubrics, procedures for observations and conferences, SGOs, annual summative conferences, and more. Members with questions about district policies should contact their local association leadership.
Additionally, the broadcast reminds district administrators that professional development plans (PDPs) and corrective action plans (CAPs) must be in place by Oct. 31. For staff hired midyear, PDPs must be in place within 30 days. Members who will be on corrective action plans in 2023-24 should contact their local association leadership, if they have not done so already.
The NJEA Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division (PDII) continues to monitor NJDOE’s guidance and advocate for fair evaluation. Members with questions or concerns should immediately reach out to their UniServ field representative and/or a member of the PDII Division.