A. Purpose.

1. The goal of the evaluation process is to identify, improve and maintain the quality of services of all unit members and to insure an optimal learning situation for all students of the District. Within this context, evaluation is a cooperative and continuous process aimed at improving and maintaining quality educational programs, while serving as an essential component in each unit member’s professional development.

2. The procedures in this Article have been developed to assure compliance with relevant Education Code requirements concerning the establishment of a uniform system of evaluation of unit members. The Parties recognize that the evaluation and assessment of unit member performance shall not include the use of publishers’ norms established by standardized tests (Education Code section 44662[d]). Student performance on District Criterion Referenced Tests shall not be used as the sole evaluation criterion in reference to Standard 5 – Assessing Student Learning/Student Progress of the Jurupa Unified School District Certificated Evaluation Form.

B. Guidelines and Procedures.

1. By October 15, or if mutually agreeable, by November 1, the evaluator and the evaluatee will hold a formal conference to review the evaluation elements listed in this Article and, if appropriate, to make modifications as agreed. If mutual agreement to any modification cannot be reached, the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services or designee(s) and two (2) elected members of the Instructional Council who are not staff members at the work site of the evaluatee, will meet with the parties to resolve the disagreement. Thereafter, the established evaluation agreement may only be revised by written mutual agreement.

C. Teaching Unit Members. The District shall evaluate and assess the performance of teaching unit members as it reasonably relates to the standards listed below.

1. Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning.

a. Connecting students’ prior knowledge, life experience and interests with learning goals.

b. Using a variety of instructional techniques and strategies to respond to students’ diverse needs.

c. Facilitating learning experiences that promote autonomy, interaction and choice.

d. Engaging students in problem solving, critical thinking and other activities that make subject matter meaningful.

e. Promoting self-directed, reflective learning for all students.

2. Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning.

a. Creating a physical environment that engages all students.

b. Establishing a climate that promotes fairness and respect.

c. Promoting social development and group responsibility.

d. Establishing and maintaining standards for student behavior.

e. Planning and implementing classroom procedures and routines that support student learning.

f. Using instructional time wisely.

3. Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning.

a. Adhering to curricular objectives.

b. Demonstrating knowledge of subject matter content and student development.

c. Organizing curriculum to support student understanding of the subject matter.

d. Interrelating ideas and information within and across subject matter areas.

e. Developing student understanding through instructional strategies that are appropriate to the subject matter.

f. Using materials, resources and technologies to make subject matter accessible to students.

4. Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students.

a. Drawing on and valuing students’ backgrounds, interests and developmental learning needs.

b. Establishing and articulating goals for student learning.

c. Developing and sequencing instructional activities and materials for student learning.

d. Designing short-term and long-term plans to foster student learning.

e. Modifying instructional plans to adjust for student needs.

5. Assessing Student Learning/Student Progress.

a. Establishing and communicating learning goals for all students.

b. Collecting and using multiple sources of information to assess student learning.

c. Involving and guiding all students in assessing their own learning.

e. Using the results of assessments to guide instruction.

f. Communicating with students, families and other audiences about student progress.

g. Demonstrating achievement towards District established standards of expected pupil achievement.

6. Developing as a Professional Educator/Adjunct Duties.

a. Reflecting on teaching practice and planning professional development.

b. Establishing professional goals and pursuing opportunities to grow professionally.

c. Working with communities to improve professional practice.

d. Working with families to improve professional practice.

e. Working with colleagues to improve professional practice.

g. Following District policies and regulations.

h. Fulfilling adjunct duty responsibilities (as defined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement).

D. Non-Teaching Unit Members.

The District shall evaluate and assess the performance of non-teaching unit members as it reasonably relates to the elements listed below. For purposes of this article non-teaching unit member positions include, but are not limited to, Behavior Specialist, Counselor, Guidance Coordinator, Librarian, Mental Health Counselor, Nurse, Program Specialist, Psychologist, Resource Teacher and Teacher on Special Assignment.

1. Adherence to Established Procedures Within the Scope of the Unit Member’s Assignment.

a. Implements established programs and provides required services.

b. Maintains required records in an accurate and timely manner.

c. Complies with adopted guidelines and school procedures.

d. Supports District and school goals and objectives applicable to the unit member’s assignment.

e. Fulfills adjunct duties (as defined in Article VII, Hours of Duty).

2. Fulfillment Of Responsibilities and Duties to Students, Parents and Staff.

a. Is accessible to students, parents and staff.

b. Communicates effectively with students, parents and staff.

c. Works cooperatively with students, parents and staff.

d. Uses discretion in handling confidential information.

3. Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills of the Assignment.

a. Demonstrates and applies current knowledge related to the assignment.

b. Plans work throughout the year to meet required timelines.

E. Other Considerations:

1. Conditions.

a. A unit member’s evaluation may be affected by a number of conditions and constraints including, but not limited to, class size, caseload, abilities of learners, the unsatisfactory performance of non-teaching employees, the availability of support personnel, the learning environment, supplies, materials, facilities, required travel and equipment provided.

b. If, in the opinion of the evaluatee, the evaluation may be or has been significantly impaired by the conditions described above, note of this shall be made in the evaluation agreement and/or the final evaluation.

2. The criteria on which the District evaluates unit members shall not prevent a unit member from using methods common in the field of education and appropriate to the grade level and content being taught.

3. Any written complaint which may adversely affect a unit member’s evaluation shall be reported to the unit member by the appropriate administrator within a reasonable time. Upon the unit member’s request, administration shall make every effort to arrange a conference with the complainant, the administrator, the unit member and any representative designated by the unit member. Information from unidentified complainants shall not adversely affect the evaluation.

F. Exclusions.

1. The unit member’s evaluation shall be based upon his/her basic job assignment and shall not include an assessment of performance of extra-compensation duties. Comments quoted by the evaluator shall be limited to comments by Administration. Such comments shall be specific and their sources identified.

2. The District shall not adversely evaluate a unit member for statements or materials used in the classroom, provided that such statements and materials are utilized in a fair and representative manner relevant to the curriculum involved.

3. The District shall not adversely evaluate a unit member based on inadequate room environment caused by custodial or maintenance deficiencies.

4. No unit member except those required to do so as Instructional Council members shall participate in the evaluation procedure of other unit members. No evaluatee will be required to assess his/her own performance.

A. Probationary Unit Member Observations. There shall be a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of six (6) observations of at least thirty (30) minutes duration. At least one (1) observation shall be announced two (2) work days in advance. Completed observation forms shall be transmitted to the evaluatee within five (5) work days of the observation. Extraordinary circumstances may require more observations and must be declared and described in writing by the evaluator. The evaluatee must be notified if these extra observations are needed. The evaluatee will receive written notification in advance for each subsequent observation.

B. Permanent Unit Member Observations. There shall be a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of four (4) observations of at least thirty (30) minutes duration. At least two (2) observations shall take place prior to any negative comments or judgments being included in the evaluation. Completed observation forms shall be transmitted to the evaluatee within five (5) work days of the observations. Extraordinary circumstances may require more observations and must be declared and described in writing by the evaluator. The evaluatee must be notified if these extra observations are needed. The evaluatee will receive written notification in advance for each subsequent observation.

C. Non-Teaching Unit Members. By mutual written agreement between a non-teaching unit member and his/her supervisor, formal scheduled observations may be omitted from the evaluation process if the parties develop a mutually acceptable plan which includes a mid-year conference regarding the unit member’s performance as related to the elements. The plan shall be attached to the evaluation agreement.

D. Observation Forms. An observation form shall be given to the unit member within five work days of the observation. The form shall explicitly describe any performance that needs improvement or is unsatisfactory.

E. Additional Observations. Extraordinary circumstances may require more observations and must be declared and described in writing by the evaluator. The evaluatee must be notified if these extra observations are needed. The evaluatee will receive written notification in advance for each subsequent observation.

F. Post-Observation Conference. A conference will be held within five (5) work days of the receipt of the completed observation form unless mutually waived. However, any performance that needs improvement or is unsatisfactory must be explicitly described in writing and discussed in a mandatory conference.

G. Recommendations and Assistance. Within a reasonable time after notice to the unit member of any performance that needs improvement or is unsatisfactory, specific written recommendations and/or assistance shall be offered for improving performance as appropriate.

H. Invalid Observations. Excessive interruptions or distractions beyond the unit member’s control and responsibility shall invalidate the observation, and a substitute observation shall be scheduled.

A. Frequency. Evaluation and assessment of the performance of each unit member shall be made on a continuing basis, at least once each school year for probationary unit members and at least every other year for unit members with permanent status. Permanent employees who have been employed by the District for at least 10 years may be evaluated every three to five years instead of every other year if (1) the employee received a satisfactory evaluation during the previous evaluation cycle; (2) the employee is deemed highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act; and (3) the evaluator and the employee consent to the three to five-year cycle. By request of the evaluator or employee, the employee shall immediately be returned to the evaluation cycle of every other year. Upon receipt of an unsatisfactory evaluation the employee shall immediately be returned to the yearly evaluation cycle.

B. Recommendation. The evaluation document shall include recommendations, if necessary, of areas needing improvement in the performance of the unit member. In the event a unit member is not performing his/her duties in a satisfactory manner according to the standards prescribed by the governing board, the District shall notify the unit member in writing of such fact and describe such unsatisfactory performance. The District shall thereafter confer with the unit member making specific recommendations as to areas of improvement in the unit member’s performance and endeavor to assist the unit member in such performance. When any permanent unit member has received an unsatisfactory evaluation, the District shall annually evaluate the unit member until the unit member achieves a positive evaluation or is separated from the District.

C. Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Referral. A classroom teacher with permanent status whose most recent performance evaluation contains two or more unsatisfactory ratings in the areas of teaching methods and instruction (Standards 1,3, or 4) shall receive an overall rating as unsatisfactory and shall participate in the District’s Peer Assistance and Review Program.

D. Deadlines. The annual or bi-annual evaluation shall be given to the evaluatee in writing not later than thirty (30) calendar days before the last school day for the school year in which the evaluation takes place.

E. Evaluation Conference.

1. An evaluation conference shall be held between the evaluatee and the evaluator to discuss the evaluation before the last school day.

2. A written request for an earlier conference may be submitted by either party. Such request must be made within five (5) work days of the receipt of the written evaluation by the unit member. The early conference will then occur within ten (10) work days of receipt of the written evaluation. The evaluator shall make available a copy of the evaluation and each attached document to the evaluatee either before or at the time of the evaluation conference. The signatures of the evaluatee and evaluator are required on each evaluation report. Such signatures confirm the conference and receipt of a copy of the evaluation, but do not necessarily signify agreement with the substance of the evaluation.

F. Rebuttal. The evaluatee has the right to submit a written rebuttal to the evaluation at any time. Such rebuttal shall become a permanent attachment to the copy of the evaluation in the unit member’s personnel file. If such rebuttal is filed within ten (10) work days of the evaluation conference, the evaluation may be modified or corrected accordingly. This process may alter the final evaluation before it is inserted into the personnel file. If a rebuttal to the evaluation has become a part of the personnel file, such evaluation shall be marked "invalid" if subsequent investigation shows that the evaluator’s comments were not accurate.

G. Grievance. If a grievance relating to the evaluation is filed in a timely manner, evaluation materials shall be withheld from the personnel file until the grievance process is exhausted. If changes result from the grievance process, evaluation materials shall be modified accordingly and placed in the evaluatee’s personnel file. If no change in evaluation materials results, the original materials shall be placed in the personnel file.

H. Absences. In the event that during the observation or evaluation process the evaluator or evaluatee is absent, all dates not specified by the Education Code indicated may be extended by the number of days of the absence.

Section 4 - Assistance to Probationary Unit Members. A joint committee will be established to explore and recommend ways to assist probationary unit members. The committee will consist of six (6) persons, three (3) appointed by the Association President and three (3) appointed by the Assistant Superintendent-Education Services.