The Validity of Using K-12 Student Ratings for Teacher Candidate and Educator Program Evaluation

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Voices From the Field: Stakeholder Perceptions of Teacher Preparation Program Quality and Effectiveness

Abstract

Recent educational reform movements have placed increasing emphasis on K-12 student data as a component of both teacher and program evaluation processes. This paper uses a mixed method study to evaluate the validity of K-12 student perceptions of practice teacher candidates in a university-based educator preparation program for evaluative purposes. The study also raises questions regarding the standardization and the value added of K-12 student survey data. Preliminary findings indicate that students tend to agree with adult evaluators in some areas, but may offer differing, yet valuable, perspectives in others.

Authors

• Todd W. Kent, Princeton University

• Peter Horn, Westfield School District