Education Commons^™

23 Illinois Administrative Code 50: Redefining The Formal Observation In Teacher Evaluation; A Policy Advocacy Document, Merryl B. Brownlow

Dissertations

This document explores how a change in the definition of the formal observation may improve the teacher evaluation system in the state of Illinois. Currently, the formal observation must be conducted in person as defined by administrative code. In an effort to increase the value and impact of the formal observation as a tool for reflection and professional growth, this paper advocates for a videotaped alternative as an option in addition to the current in-person model. The intent of including a videotaped option is to empower the teacher in the process and increase ownership for building skills as a reflective …

Teacher Evaluation: The Change We Wish To See; Improving The Formal Observation Process To Improve Student Learning, Merryl B. Brownlow

Dissertations

Teacher evaluation is a formal construct for improving instruction and student learning. Formal observations are a central component of that process. This change model explores the option of a videotaped observation model as an alternative to the current Illinois state-mandated in-person formal observation to increase teacher ownership, promote reflective practice and improve instructional practices. The evaluation process is a vehicle that promotes collaboration among building leaders and staff. The Illinois shift to a professional practice model provides a construct for a culture and climate that encourages reflection and promotes professional growth (Danielson, 2011; Darling-Hammond, 2013; Jay, 2003; Stuhlman, Hamre, Downer, …

The Role Of The Formal Observation In Promoting Reflective Practice, Merryl B. Brownlow

Dissertations

Acheson and Gall (2011) wrote about the tension between teacher evaluation and clinical supervision. In their research they discuss the intent of clinical supervision to be a model for coaching and supporting professional growth as compared to more traditional models of teacher evaluation that were often associated with fear as a motivator. This program evaluation examines the nature of the formal observation in the teacher evaluation process and seeks to explore its role in developing reflective practitioners and promoting professional growth. This study involved researching the perspectives of teachers and administrators regarding their perceptions of the value of the formal …

Teacher Evaluation In An Urban Setting: A View From The Trenches, Fabiola Fadda-Ginski

Dissertations

This study utilizes a mixed-methods methodology to examine how a teacher evaluation system is influencing the instructional practices of bilingual teachers in a large urban district. An on-line survey was administered to examine the bilingual teachers’ perceptions of the evaluation system. A focus group of bilingual teachers was later conducted to further investigate the data gathered through the survey. The combined results of this study’s findings show that the bilingual teachers believe that the evaluation system is making a positive difference in improving their instructional practices, particularly in the areas of Planning and Preparation and Questioning. The study also …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Mississippi Statewide Teacher Appraisal Rubric (M-Star) Evaluation, Steven Douglas Hampton

Dissertations

The focus of this study was to measure teachers’ perception of the validity, reliability, feedback given from the Mississippi Statewide Teacher Appraisal Rubric (M-STAR) evaluation system, and their overall perception of the M-STAR evaluation system. This was a quantitative study that investigated whether or not a statistically significant difference existed between; teachers’ years of teaching experience, teachers’ teaching in a tested or non-tested subject, total number of M-STAR observation, and teachers’ amount of M-STAR training or professional development time; and teachers’ perception of the M-STAR’s validity, perception of M-STAR’s reliability, perception of the feedback given by M-STAR, and the teachers’ …

Teacher And Evaluator Perspectives On The Teacher Evaluation Process For Teachers Of English Language Learners: A Change Leadership Plan, Nancy Martinez

Dissertations

This paper examines the need to add indicators to the current teacher evaluation system that are specific to English Language Learners (ELLs). Florida teacher evaluation protocols do not specify ELL-specific instructional strategies. This study explores perceptions of ELL teachers and school administrators on the fairness of current evaluative practices for ELL teachers. I considered research that supported the need for differentiated instruction for ELLs. I used the diagnostic framework by Wagner et al. (2006) to identify “arenas” of change: culture, context, conditions, and competencies. I used these arenas to present the existing situation in a school district. I then presented …

The Perceived Impact Of Teacher Performance Ratings On The Teacher Evaluation Process: Voices From The Field, Brian B. Bullis

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was focused on the various perceived impacts created by the expansion to a four-tier teacher performance evaluation rating model which would inform educational leaders in the State of Illinois. By studying the experiences of principals in two other states who previously underwent the same change, Florida and Massachusetts, a number of insights were found that can serve to inform Illinois.

The intended impacts found from expanding the performance ratings included the promotion of teacher growth, recognition of teacher excellence, promotion of teacher remediation, and support in dismissing ineffective teachers. The unintended impacts that were found …