08/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2024 08:18
LEADS transforms state's outdated evaluation system to support recruitment and retention
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has developed a modern educator evaluation system that rewards effective teachers with fewer observations and gives school administrators more time to mentor new and growing teachers. Louisiana's Educator Advancement and Development System (LEADS) transforms the state's outdated educator evaluation system to promote the recruitment and retention of effective teachers and leaders. Piloted in 2023-2024 and part of a learning year in 2024-2025, LEADS will be used statewide in 2025-2026 for teachers, counselors, and school leaders.
"Outside of the parent, the classroom teacher has the greatest impact on student learning. This new system honors teachers who are excelling in their craft and provides new teachers with the help they need to advance in their profession," said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.
LEADS provides educators with a highly customized approach to coaching. Struggling educators receive immediate instructional support, while more effective educators are rewarded with fewer observations. Under Louisiana's current legacy evaluation system, known as COMPASS, all teachers are observed twice regardless of their years of experience or scores on previous observations.
LEADS offers differentiated support for teachers depending on years of experience and individual needs. Teachers with at least three years of experience who score highly effective on their first observation may opt out of any remaining observations that school year. Teachers with less than three years of experience will receive three observations each year.
"Louisiana's improved educator evaluation system builds upon initiatives already in place to support the continuous improvement of teaching and learning across the state," said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson. "These changes are critical as we focus on the growth and development of our educators to grow our students."
LEADS is structured to provide more useful, timely, and actionable feedback. Other key improvements include:
LEADS Development
LEADS was created using national best practices and feedback the LDOE received from over 8,000 educators. The LDOE has worked alongside school systems and utilized feedback throughout the development and implementation.