Examining Reliability as a Means to Improve the Evaluation of Student Teachers

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluation Preservice Teachers' Competencies and Dispositions

Abstract

Student teaching is the culminating activity prior to program completion and the final opportunity to assess the performance of student teachers to ensure they are ready to educate future citizens and contribute to the potential of public education. At the culmination of the experience, student teachers are often assessed using a summative evaluation instrument. With a high-stakes decision regarding performance dependent on the results of the assessment, the quality of the instrument and consistency of its use by supervisors is essential. This study sought to understand and characterize properties and assessment practices of a locally designed and implemented student teacher evaluation. Findings from analyses of reliability and implications for practice will be discussed.

Authors

• Elayne Colon, University of Florida

• Thomas M. Dana, University of Florida

• Nathan Hanson, University of Florida

• Brittany Adams, University of Florida