Making an IMPACT on Student Achievement

In the 2007-2008 school year, the vast majority of DC Public Schools’ 4,000 teachers were rated “satisfactory” under the teacher evaluation system. But at the same time, the performance of DCPS students was last among all large urban school districts in reading and math on the 2008 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and only 42 of the District’s 145 schools met federally mandated adequate yearly progress targets for student achievement.

Believing that teacher quality is the most important factor in improving student achievement, DCPS wanted to create a new teacher evaluation system that would ensure that all teachers and school staff understand what is expected of them, get constructive feedback on their performance and receive targeted support to improve their effectiveness.

Meeting the Need

Fight For Children, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization that recognizes, promotes and cultivates quality education for low-income children, awarded the DC Public Education Fund $250,000 to support the development and launch of IMPACT, DCPS’ ground-breaking assessment system for school-based personnel.

In 2010, teachers received ratings under IMPACT that were far more reflective of actual performance than in years past, Sixteen percent of all teachers received a “Highly Effective” rating and, as part of a new performance pay system, will receive performance bonuses for the first time. Staff rated as “Ineffective” were let go, and staff rated as “Minimally Effective” were given one year to improve their performance. All teachers received detailed information about specific areas in which they need to improve.

The Result

DCPS is creating a professional culture in which quality, rather than tenure, serves as the primary basis for compensation, recognition, and retention of teachers and other school staff.

To see ways that you can make an impact, please see Our Work.