IOWA SAMPLE

Principal’s Evaluation Instrument

Introduction
The process of evaluating a principal is a very important tool in the entire improvement effort of a school district. It
defines expectations, enhances communication, prioritizes district goals and encourages supervisors to focus
their attention on the principal's role in improving achievement for all students.

A new approach to principal evaluation that reflects a systems approach is particularly in order in these times of
increased accountability. A process as important as this one should be guided by a set of ethics — values and
beliefs — that support the work so both the principal and supervisor/s can operate with integrity. The following
principles are offered as an ethical compass to guide this important work.

An effective evaluation process is predicated on a spirit of providing feedback for growth, not on finding evidence
of shortcomings. The purpose of this process is to improve performance, not prove incompetence. If a supervisor
is considering evaluation for the purposes of termination, other processes should be employed.

Operating Principles
A comprehensive principal evaluation process must:

1. Align with the six Iowa Standards for School Leaders

Rationale: The Board of Educational Examiners, the State Board of Education, and the Iowa Department
of Education have all endorsed the Iowa Standards for School Leaders as the framework for expectations
for building principals.

2. Be intended to acknowledge strengths and improve performance.

Rationale: An effective evaluation process is predicated on a spirit of providing feedback for
growth.

3. Connect academic, social, emotional and developmental growth for all students in the
building/system.
Rationale: Multiple indicators for all types of student growth must be included in the definition of
accountability.

4. Recognize the importance of a principal's role in improving the culture of the learning community.
Rationale: Research is very clear that the quality of leadership in a building has a direct correlation to
positive relationships and the achievement levels of all learners.

5. Have research-based criteria about effective principal behaviors which are substantiated by
measurable data from multiple sources, and are legal, feasible, accurate and useful.
Rationale: Examples may include self-assessment, a portfolio compiled by the principal, 360 degree
feedback, the school improvement plan, artifacts that address previous goals, and meeting agendas.

6. Provide opportunities for personal and professional growth as a facilitator/leader of learning.

Rationale: Evaluation processes must consider the needs of the whole professional and be
oriented toward continuous improvement.

7. Be ongoing and connected to school improvement goals.

Rationale: An evaluation is a process, not a once a year conversation, and must be connected to
Comprehensive School Improvement plans.

8. Align building and district goals with community members’ vision for education.
Rationale: Goals cannot be developed in isolation; district and building goals must reflect the community's
highest hope for their public schools.
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Name:  _______________________ Scheduled conference date:        _______________
IOWA STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Standard 1
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students facilitating the development,
articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the
school community. (Shared Vision)
1 a.  In collaboration with others uses appropriate data to establish rigorous, concrete goals in the context of student achievement 
and
instructional programs.
1 b.  Uses research and/or best practices in improving the educational program.
1 c.  Articulates and promotes high expectations for teaching and student learning.
1 d.  Aligns the educational programs, plans and actions to the district’s vision and goals for student learning.
1 e.  Provides leadership for major initiatives and change efforts.
1f.   Communicates effectively to various stakeholders regarding progress with school improvement plan goals.
ADMINISTRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY

Standard 1
An administrator is an educational leader, who promotes the success of all students facilitating the development,
articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school
community.
1 a.   
1 b.   
1 c.   
1 d.   
1 e.
1f.   

Administrator reflection:

Evaluator comments:

Meets Standard 1: Yes No

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 IOWA STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Standard 2
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing and
sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional
development.  (Culture of Learning)
2 a.   Provides leadership for assessing, developing and improving school environment and culture.
2 b.   Systematically and fairly recognizes and celebrates accomplishments of teachers, staff and students.
2.c.   Provides leadership, encouragement, opportunities and structure for staff to continually design more effective
         teaching and learning experiences for all students.
2.d.   Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
2 e.   Evaluates staff and provides ongoing coaching for improvement..
2 f.   Ensures that staff has necessary professional development opportunities that directly enhance their performance 
        and improve student learning.,
2 g.  Uses current research and theory about effective schools and leadership to develop and revise his/her professional
ADMINISITRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY
        growth plan.
2 h.  Promotes collaboration with all stakeholders.
2  i.  Is easily accessible and approachable to students, staff and community.

ADMINISTRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY

Standard 2
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing and
sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional
development.
2 a.   
2 b. 
2 c.
2 d.
2 e.
2 f.
2 g.
2 h.
2 i.
Administrator reflection:

Evaluator comments:

Meets Standard 2: Yes No

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Meets standard 2: Yes No

 IOWA STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Standard 3
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of
the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.  
(Management)
3 a.  Complies with state and federal mandates and local board policies.
3 b.  Recruits, selects, inducts, and retains staff to support quality instruction.
3 c.  Addresses current and potential issues in a timely manner.
3 d.  Manages fiscal and physical resources of the schools responsibility, efficiently and effectively.
3 e.   Designs and manages operational procedures to maximize opportunities for successful learning.

ADMINISTRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY

Standard 3
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of
the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.
3 a.   
3 b.
3 c. 
3 d.   
3 e.  
3 f.

Administrator reflection:

Evaluator comments:

Meets standard 3: Yes No

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 IOWA STANDARDS CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Standard 4
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families
and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community
resources.  (Family and Community)
4 a.  Engages family and community by enhancing shared responsibility for student learning and support of the school.
4 b.  Promotes and supports a governance structure for family and community involvement in the school.
4 c.  Facilitates the connections of students and families to the health and social services that are needed to stay focused
        on learning.
4 d.  Collaboratively establishes a culture that welcomes and honors families and community and seeks ways to engage 
them in student learning.

ADMINISTRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY

Standard 4
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families
and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community
resources.
4 a. 
4 b. 
4 c.
4 d.

Administrator reflection:

Evaluator comments:

Meets standard 4: Yes No

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 IOWA STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Standard 5
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, 
fairness, and in an ethical manner.  (Ethics)
5 a.  Demonstrates ethical, trustworthy, and professional behavior.
5 b.  Demonstrates values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance . 5 c.  Maintains 
caring relationships with teachers and staff.
5 c.  Fosters and maintains caring professional relationships with staff.
5d.   Demonstrates appreciation for and sensitivity to diversity in the school community.
5e.   Is respectful of divergent opinions.

ADMINISTRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY

Standard 5
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, 
fairness, and in an ethical manner.
5 a.   
5 b.   
5 c.  
5 d.   
5 e.   
5 f.

Administrator reflection:

Evaluator comments:

Meets standard 5: Yes No

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 IOWA STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Standard 6
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding the profile
of the community and responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural 
context.  (Societal Context)
6 a.   Collaborates with service providers and other decision­makers to improve teaching and learning.
6 b.  Advocates for the welfare of all members of the learning community.
6 c.  Designs and implements appropriate strategies to reach desired goals.

ADMINISTRATOR-IDENTIFIED ARTIFACTS DEMONSTRATING PROFICIENCY

Standard 6
A principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding the profile
of the community and responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural 
context.
6 a. 
6 b.  
6 c.  

Administrator reflection:

Evaluator comments:

Meets standard 6: Yes No

Administrator: ________________________                                              Conference date: _____________

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NAME: __________________________ BUILDING:__________________

DATE:______________________________

PART III – SUMMATIVE EVALUATION [Check (√) one in each row]

Job Responsibilities: Met Not Met

Standard 1
Standard 2
Standard 3
Standard 4
Standard 5
Standard 6

Significant Achievements:

Areas for Growth:

Principal Comments:

Superintendent or Designee Comments:

Recommendation for Continuous Improvement (check one)

_____Professional Growth Plan

_____New Job Targets
_____Remediation Target

Administrator’s Signature:_________________________Folder #__________ Date:

Evaluation Period: , 20____ to , 20____
Superintendent or Designee: Date: _______________

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