How Principal Experience Impacts Teacher Evaluation Policy Implementation

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-4 - Evaluation Impacts on Principal Leadership

Abstract

This study addresses the following research question: (1) How do principals' cognitive schemas (i.e., highly developed background knowledge due to experience) influence how they come to understand and implement teacher evaluation policies/systems? Data for analysis come from surveys (n=12), interviews (n=36), and observations (n=24) conducted with 12 public school principals in 2016. Results show principal experience impacts principal leadership style and how principals think about evaluating their teaching staff, including the actions principal take during the evaluation process and what principals prioritize during evaluations. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Author

• David B. Reid, Seton Hall University