Georgia Leader and Educator Acceleration and Development System (GaLEADS)
Developed by the Georgia Department of Education from Teacher Burnout Task Force recommendations in 2022, GaLEADS is Georgia's next-generation teacher evaluation system designed to replace TKES/LKES statewide. It shifts the focus from compliance-based numeric ratings to personalized professional growth and coaching, differentiating expectations by experience level - Novice (1st year), Induction (2-3 years), and Professional (4+ years). A phased pilot launched in August 2023 and has grown to 17 school districts and charter systems as of the 2024-2025 school year.
Currently piloting in 17 school districts and charter systems across Georgia. GaDOE has committed to full statewide adoption across all Georgia districts, with the intent to fully replace the existing TKES/LKES system.
How Observation Copilot Helps
AI-powered GaLEADS feedback in seconds
Paste your observation notes. Copilot maps your evidence to the right GaLEADS domains and drafts structured, rubric-aligned feedback - ready to review and share.
- Maps observation notes to GaLEADS performance standards automatically
- Generates evidence-based summaries for each of the 8 performance standards
- Suggests APR ratings aligned to the four-level GaLEADS rubric scale
- Creates targeted next steps tied to specific performance standard indicators
- Reduces post-observation write-up time for Georgia principals and coaches
Framework Domains
GaLEADS at a Glance
Performance Standard 1
Professional Knowledge (PK) - Demonstrating deep content knowledge and pedagogical skill to effectively plan and deliver instruction that supports student learning.
Performance Standard 2
Instructional Planning (IP) - Designing coherent, standards-aligned lessons and units that reflect knowledge of students, clear learning goals, and appropriate pacing.
Performance Standard 3
Positive Learning Environment (PLE) - Creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative classroom culture that promotes student engagement, well-being, and a sense of belonging.
Performance Standard 4
Instructional Strategies (IS) - Implementing a variety of research-based instructional approaches that actively engage students in rigorous, meaningful learning experiences.
Performance Standard 5
Assessment Strategies (AS) - Designing and using formative and summative assessments to gather evidence of student understanding and guide instructional decisions.
Performance Standard 6
Assessment Uses (AU) - Analyzing assessment data and providing timely, targeted feedback to students to accelerate learning and close achievement gaps.
Performance Standard 7
Differentiated Instruction (DI) - Adapting instructional content, process, and product to meet the diverse readiness levels, learning profiles, and interests of all students.
Performance Standard 8
Academically Challenging Environment (ACE) - Setting high expectations and fostering rigorous academic discourse that challenges all students to think critically and deeply.
Rating Scale
GaLEADS Rating Levels
Used In
States Using GaLEADS
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