laws, policy, theory & research. teacher evaluation as a policy target for improved student...
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Teacher Evaluation
Laws, Policy, Theory & Research
Teacher Evaluation As a Policy Target for
Improved Student Learning:
A Fifty-State Review of Statute and Regulatory Action since NCLB
~Hazi & Rucinski
Analyzed policy activity in all 50 states
National Governor’s Association
In-depth Background
Article Background
Research Matrix Four Level Rating
Level 1=local discretion Level 2=remote control Level 3=definitional control Level 4=procedural control
Phases of Study 20 states – two criteria 10 states randomly selected 20 remaining states
Analysis: Theory of Action Strategy
Research & Methods
Focused on three specific research questions 45 references cited “Distinguished Paper” Award
Supervision and Instructional Leadership @ American Educational Research Association annual meeting
Research ~ Rigor
Four General Types of Activity Noted
States adopting NGA Strategies States asserting more oversight & local
involvement States decreasing frequency of veteran teacher
evaluation States increasing use of data in teacher
evaluations
Virginia is one of 12 states that use achievement data in ratings for teacher evaluation.
Research Conclusions
“Regulatory policies are formalized rules
expressed in general terms and applied to large groups of people” (Fowler, 2013, p. 216).
“State governments seem to have a strong preference for regulatory policies” (Fowler, 2013, p 216).
“Several social groups with conflicting interests are usually concerned about regulatory politics”
(Fowler, 2013, p. 217).
Policy Type ~ Regulatory
Strategies:
Validation of evaluative assessments Using more than Proper training of evaluators Teacher input as a part of the process Creating reasonable and measureable
goals
Policy Support
Assessment of classroom teacher
effectiveness (high quality and competence)
Identification of areas of strength
Identification of areas that need improvement
Peer Review & Self-Evaluation
Policy Benefits
Provides information in the planning of
professional developments
• individualized, interpersonal• specific skill sets• pairing with a mentor or buddy
Allows for improvement of instruction overall
Policy Benefits
Improved student learning?
Complicates a flawed practice.
Evaluation becomes ritualistic.
Policy Disadvantages
Teacher quality is defined… or
restricted?
Evaluation as a “Tap Dance”.
Supervision is further entangled with evaluation.
Use of data may promote surveillance.
Unintended Consequences
Principals as instructional leaders. Teaching standards are identified. Multiple measures of teacher quality. Professional development implications. Evaluation becomes aligned with the
School Improvement Process.
Leadership Applications
Conclusions:
States are moving forward in teacher evaluation.
The connection between teacher evaluation and student achievement remain unclear.
Hazi, H. M., & Rucinski, D. A. (2009). Teacher evaluation as a policy target for improved student learning: A fifty-state review of statute and regulatory action since NCLB. Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 17(5), 1-15.
Teacher Evaluation
Martha PowersPamela VenableStephanie Watts