Connecticut’s teacher evaluation framework requires schools to collect multiple documents throughout the year, including initial goals, mid-year progress reports, classroom observations, and final evaluations. The state provides guidelines but leaves the implementation details to individual districts, many of which are struggling to manage the process effectively since the state stopped funding a system called Bloomboard.

The platform will incorporate state evaluation templates while allowing districts to modify them for local needs. It includes built-in reminders for deadlines and will automatically compile materials that are currently scattered across various documents and platforms.

“With administrator turnover at about 20% annually, maintaining continuity in teacher evaluation is crucial,” DePalma said. “The system will allow administrators to easily compare a teacher’s current goals with previous years, supporting more meaningful professional development conversations.”

“Our system helps teachers and administrators track professional growth over multiple years,” DePalma said. “This enables more strategic goal-setting and allows educators to build on their previous successes while taking on new challenges.”

Briana Patriarca, EASTCONN Technology Specialist and project lead, said that administrators will be able to examine how their district performs across various metrics, something practically impossible with paper-based methods. “The reporting features will help identify trends and areas where additional support might be needed,” Patriarca said. “Administrators can then use this data to make informed decisions about professional development and resource allocation across their districts. It’s all about turning all this valuable information into actionable insights.”

The team designed the software to avoid the complexity issues that plague some existing solutions. Many current tools require integration with other systems like PowerSchool, creating what DePalma describes as “geometric increases in complexity” with each additional component.

“When you start adding products to these systems, you lose flexibility,” DePalma said. “Most schools don’t have the staff to manage that level of complexity. We’re creating something that stands alone and just works.”

Security is a key consideration for the new platform. While the tool will use established cloud service providers to ensure data protection, “we always remind administrators that they are often the weak link in security,” DePalma said. “Something as simple as sharing passwords with administrative staff or leaving login information on sticky notes can compromise the solution.”

EASTCONN’s technology team has experience developing similar tools, including “eObserve,” a successful early childhood classroom observation system used throughout Connecticut. However, this new project represents a different approach, being developed “on spec” without state funding.

The project reflects EASTCONN’s growing role as what DePalma calls a “boutique software company” within a nonprofit educational service center. Operating under the name “Proven Trail” for recruitment purposes, the technology team has developed several successful educational technology products, focusing on meeting specific needs in Connecticut’s education system at affordable price points.

The development team is preparing for an initial pilot this fall, coinciding with October teacher goal-setting deadlines. Several smaller districts have expressed interest in participating, including local schools that will help refine the system before wider release.

“Some districts might want to adopt the state’s evaluation framework exactly as presented in the software, particularly if they’re new to the process,” Patriarca said. “Others will need to customize it to align with existing processes and union agreements. We’re building flexibility into the system while maintaining its core simplicity.”

The final name for the product is still under consideration, with the team moving away from the working title “T-Observe” to better reflect its broader capabilities in supporting educational staff evaluation and development.

Looking ahead, the team hopes successful adoption might lead to state-wide implementation, similar to their early childhood observation tool. For now, they’re focused on launching the pilot program and gathering feedback from early users.

“At the end of the day, we want administrators focused on developing great teachers, not wrestling with paperwork,” DePalma said. “That’s the whole point of what we’re building here.”