The Validation of a Student Survey on Teacher Practice

• In Event: Policy Issues Related to Instructional Practices and School Environments

Abstract

Though there is evidence that teacher quality matters, a more challenging problem exists in attempting to measure teacher effectiveness. This investigation outlines the validation process for a student survey as a measure of teacher practice.
Following the process outlined by Porter et al. (2010), the current survey has undergone several rounds of validation to ensure that survey questions adequately assess various dimensions of teacher quality. The study was validated in 7 districts in Georgia as part of the state's Race to the Top Initiative. Preliminary findings demonstrate that the survey has a strong relationship to outcomes such as value-added student achievement and measures of both student academic student engagement and academic self-efficacy.

Author

• Ryan Balch, Vanderbilt University