School districts are currently faced with the challenge of implementing teacher evaluation systems that accurately measure and grow effectiveness while simultaneously increasing academic performance among all student populations. The ability to provide a fair and accurate measure of teacher performance is central to Dallas Independent School District's (ISD) Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI). The purpose of the current study was to examine if a principal's rating of a teacher's classroom performance, as measured by the TEI evaluation process, was a predictor of fifth-grade students' progress in mathematics and reading. The current study acquired quantitative data in the form of fifth grade student 2018-2019 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) progress measure scores in reading and math linked to a specific Dallas ISD teacher's evaluation. The researcher also examined quantitative data addressing evaluator perceptions regarding the TEI protocol's ability to measure teacher effectiveness through descriptive and anecdotal data from a 20-question survey. A linear regression analysis was used to measure the predictive value of a teacher's classroom performance on student growth in math and reading. Descriptive data was also collected and reported. Results of the current study indicated that teacher classroom performance was a predictor for student progress in math and reading. Of the four domains within the TEI protocol, Domain 2: Instructional Delivery had the greatest effect on student progress. The data also indicated that evaluators were confident in their use of the TEI protocol and its ability to accurately assess classroom performance. The current study adds to the body of research on teacher evaluation and may be used to develop and implement training addressing teacher evaluations using the TEI protocol. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]