In this practical guide, The New Teacher Project outlines critical components for an effective teacher evaluation system. It comes at a crucial time when states, including Ohio, are in the middle of rethinking their teacher personnel and evaluation policies. Drawing on its publication, Teacher Evaluation 2.0, TNTP names six characteristics for rigorous evaluations:
- Teachers should be evaluated annually;
- Evaluations should be based on standards of excellence;
- Multiple measures should be taken into account when evaluating teachers;
- Multiple rating levels should be created to differentiate one teachers performance from another;
- Frequent observations and constructive feedback are crucial;
- Evaluation outcomes must play a significant factor in decisions about teacher employment.
Rating a Teacher Observation also points out that objective data such as student learning measurements are important to a successful observation, but subjective judgments by administrators must also play a role. They suggest what a sample observation might look like: 50 percent based on objective student learning measures, 30 percent drawn from classroom observations, and 20 percent based on other measures of student learning.
The New Teacher Project goes on to outline specific examples of metrics that might factor into a rigorous evaluation (e.g., ways to measure the quality of lesson delivery, instructional content, or the physical learning environment) and therefore offers a practical tool for districts seeking to revamp teacher evaluations. States around the country and particularly Ohio would do well to tap into TNTP’s vast knowledge base when it comes to teacher evaluation systems.
Rating
a Teacher Observation Tool: Five ways to ensure classroom observations are
focused and rigorous
The New Teacher Project
February 2011
