Hawaii State Department of Education
The Comprehensive Evaluation System for School Administrators (CESSA) is a new evaluation and feedback system for school principals. Because effective school leadership is critical to student achievement, the Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to ensuring principals, teachers and schools have the support they need to reach their goals.
Q: What is CESSA?
A: The Comprehensive Evaluation System for School Administrators was finalized through a joint effort between the Department of Education (DOE) and the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA). It is an evaluation, feedback and support system based on short- and long-range goals for principals’ professional improvement efforts.
Q: When does the CESSA begin?
A: CESSA implementation began with 81 schools in August 2012 as principals and their supervisors, the Complex Area Superintendents (CASs), jointly set goals for the year. As we worked through the implementation, and as part of our shared commitment to continuously improve and to provide supports aligned with the CESSA, it made sense to expand the implementation to all schools. Additionally, feedback from school principals was also taken into account.
Q: What does CESSA consist of?
A: Each principal will receive a rating based half on Student Outcomes (Domain 1) and half on Principal Leadership Practice (Domains 2-6). The five different leadership and performance domains include:
- Professional growth and learning
- School planning and progress
- School culture
- Professional qualities and instructional leadership
- Stakeholder support and engagement
Q: What was the impetus for the CESSA?
A: This agreement between HGEA and DOE aligns with the State Board of Education policy 2055 on teacher and principal performance evaluation policy. The DOE is currently in the second year of a seven-year strategic plan that calls for preparing graduates for college or careers. Effective school leadership is fundamental to the success of this strategic plan.
Q: What other resources will be provided to support implementation of CESSA?
A: The DOE and HGEA will continue to work together to provide school principals with guidelines, training and support in advance of successful implementation next school year.
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