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