Teacher Perceptions of the Impact of an Evaluation System on Classroom Instructional Practices

• In Event: Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Evaluation Within Supervision and Instructional Leadership

Abstract

Teacher evaluations systems are becoming a method for measuring teacher effectiveness as well as a method for improving teacher instructional practice. This qualitative study draws from interviews with thirty teachers with varying years of experience. Five major themes emerged from this study and identified the ways teachers perceive an existing system of evaluation to influence their classroom instructional practices. The effect of feedback, quality of relationships, effect of the professional practices rubric, effect of modeling, and the effect of personal integrity and self-reflection are identified as mechanisms that enable teachers to benefit from the existing system. These themes revealed the complexity of the system in which multiple mechanisms must work in coordination in order for teachers to realize the benefits.

Authors

• Erika J. Donahue, Eagle County Schools

• Linda R. Vogel, University of Northern Colorado