-
IMPACT Policy Launched
Michelle Rhee, then Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, launched the IMPACT teacher evaluation system. The policy tied teacher performance evaluations to student test scores and classroom observations. It was the first large-scale attempt to link pay and job security directly to student outcomes. It was designed to provide continuous feedback to school staff and recognize high-performing educators. -
First Round of Teacher Terminations
After initial implementation, DCPS terminated over 100 teachers rated "ineffective." The firings were based on student growth measures and classroom observation scores. This sparked national attention and intense debate among educators and unions. -
Revisions to Scoring Formula
Due to public and union pressure, DCPS revised the formula for evaluating teacher effectiveness. More weight was given to classroom observations and student learning objectives (SLOs), slightly reducing the emphasis on test scores. -
Research Study on IMPACT Outcomes
A Stanford study showed that teachers rated "minimally effective" who remained under the policy either improved or left the district. The findings supported IMPACT’s influence on teacher quality but also raised concerns about teacher retention. -
New Leadership Reviews the System
Antwan Wilson became Chancellor of DCPS in 2017 and initiated a review of the IMPACT system. The review addressed teacher stress and concerns of bias. By this time, teacher retention had improved compared to early years of the policy, but feedback mechanisms and fairness remained topics of discussion. -
COVID-19 Pauses High-Stakes Evaluation
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DCPS suspended high-stakes portions of IMPACT during the 2020–21 school year. Traditional evaluation procedures were paused as schools shifted to virtual instruction, and policies temporarily focused on flexibility, not accountability. -
Modified Return to IMPACT Post-COVID
By 2022, DCPS resumed in-person learning and returned to the IMPACT system with modifications. Evaluations accounted for hybrid learning realities and health accommodations. Observations and feedback protocols were updated to reflect post-pandemic teaching environments. -
Ongoing Relevance and National Discussion
Fifteen years after its launch, IMPACT continues to influence national discourse on teacher accountability. It is cited as a leading model in performance-based evaluation, shaping conversations about fairness, retention, and instructional quality in urban districts.