Teacher evaluation for better learning

Because instruction must be improved to meet new state achievement standards, teacher evaluation is now a major concern of educational administrators on all levels. This new book by two authorities on instructional improvement offers a practical and proven teacher evaluation system that helps teachers improve their skills -- and helps improve student learning at the same time. Excerpts from the Authors? Preface ?First, [this] is a practical guide for educational leaders who wish to develop or improve a valid and effective teacher-evaluation system. It takes readers through a step-by-step process, with multiple examples. Second, it is research-based. We have carefully reviewed all the major studies so that we can provide a solid knowledge base for each phase in the process. Finally, we offer options for decision-makers. Rather than prescribing a single answer, we know full well that each school system is different, providing a unique context for teacher evaluation systems. Accordingly, in each instance, we lay out choices and their rationale. ?Two other features of the book are especially noteworthy. First, this work links the usually separated elements of teacher evaluation, staff development, supervision, and school improvement, thus creating a synergistic system. Finally, and perhaps most important of all, there is an emphasis on student learning throughout this work. If teacher evaluation has no impact on student learning, then it becomes little more than an institutional exercise. Contents (condensed) Preface Part 1. Understanding the Context for Learning-Centered Teacher Evaluation 1. Current Practice in Teacher evaluation 2. Tightening Connections for Better Teachings and Learning Part 2. Building the Knowledge Base for Learning Centered Teacher Evaluation 3. Understanding the Research on Learning 4. Understanding the Research on Teaching Part 3. Getting Started 5. Preparing to Improve Teacher Evaluation Practice in Your District 6. Making Organizational Decisions Part 4. Mastering Specific Evaluation Skills 7. Helping Teachers Set Goals and Develop Plans for Growth 8. Using Classroom Evaluations 9. Using Student Input: Achievement and Opinion 10. Using Parent Input 11. Evaluating Work Samples 12. Encouraging Teacher Self-Assessment 13. Holding an Evaluation Conference 14. Helping Teachers Develop Portfolios 15. Using Technology to Support Learning-Centered Teacher Evaluation Part 5. Implementing the Learning-Centered Evaluation System 16. Training Teachers and Evaluators 17. Evaluating and Fine-Tuning the Evaluation System 18. Putting It All Together Index, 6 figures, 41 tables, 17 resources (sample forms and questionnaires)