California Teacher Evaluation Guide | CSTP Framework & Observation Tools

California's Evaluation Framework

California's teacher evaluation system is locally determined but must align with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Districts have flexibility in implementation while ensuring comprehensive evaluation of teaching effectiveness.

6 CSTP Standards

Core teaching competencies

38 Elements

Observable indicators

Local Control

District-specific implementation

California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP)

1

Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning

Teachers know and care about their students to engage them in learning

1.1 Using knowledge of students

1.2 Connecting to prior knowledge

1.3 Connecting to real-world contexts

1.4 Using varied strategies

1.5 Promoting critical thinking

1.6 Monitoring student learning

2

Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments

Teachers create physical and virtual environments that promote student learning

2.1 Promoting social development

2.2 Physical environments

2.3 Time management

2.4 Safe learning environment

2.5 Student behavior standards

2.6 Inclusive environment

3

Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter

Teachers demonstrate knowledge of subject matter and student development

3.1 Subject matter knowledge

3.2 Student development theory

3.3 Organizing curriculum

3.4 Technology integration

3.5 English learner access

3.6 Appropriate resources

4

Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences

Teachers plan and design instruction based on student needs and curriculum standards

4.1 Using student knowledge

4.2 Learning goals establishment

4.3 Instructional strategies

4.4 Adapting instruction

4.5 Assessment planning

4.6 Technology use

4.7 Student grouping

4.8 Resource alignment

5

Assessing Students for Learning

Teachers use assessment to monitor student learning and inform instruction

5.1 Assessment strategies

5.2 Data collection

5.3 Student self-assessment

5.4 Technology for assessment

5.5 Communication of progress

5.6 Data-driven decisions

6

Developing as a Professional Educator

Teachers reflect on teaching practice and participate in professional communities

6.1 Reflection on practice

6.2 Goal setting

6.3 Professional collaboration

6.4 Family partnerships

6.5 Professional growth

6.6 Professional responsibilities

6.7 Shared responsibility

California Evaluation Timeline

Typical District Timeline

September

Goal Setting Conference

Establish professional goals aligned with CSTP

Oct-Nov

Informal Observations

Brief walkthroughs and feedback

Dec-Jan

Formal Observation #1

Full lesson observation with detailed feedback

Feb-Mar

Formal Observation #2

Second comprehensive observation

April-May

Summative Evaluation

Final evaluation and planning for next year

California Legal Requirements

Education Code Requirements

Annual evaluation for probationary teachers (EC 44660-44665)
Evaluation every other year for permanent teachers (EC 44664)
Written evaluation with specific recommendations
Opportunity for teacher response (EC 44663)

LCAP Alignment

Connect evaluations to LCAP goals
Focus on student achievement gaps
Support for English learners
Professional development planning

California-Specific Considerations

English Learners

Focus on ELD standards integration and scaffolding strategies for California's diverse population

Common Core

Evaluate implementation of California Common Core State Standards and mathematical practices

NGSS Science

Assess three-dimensional learning and phenomenon-based instruction

California Resources & Tools

CSTP Observation Forms

Digital forms aligned to all 6 standards

Get Templates →

Evaluation Rubrics

Printable CSTP-aligned rubrics

Download Free →

Training Materials

Calibration videos and guides

Access Training →

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must teachers be evaluated in California?

Probationary teachers must be evaluated annually. Permanent teachers with satisfactory evaluations can be evaluated every other year, or every 5 years if they meet certain criteria and the district has an agreement with the teachers' union.

Can student test scores be used in evaluations?

California does not mandate the use of student test scores in teacher evaluations. Districts have local control over evaluation criteria, but many include student growth data as one of multiple measures.

What about charter school requirements?

Charter schools in California have flexibility in their evaluation systems but must have a process in place. Many choose to align with CSTP for consistency.