The Teacher Evaluation Conundrum: Examining the Perceptions of Special Education Teachers

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Preparing and Retaining Transformative Special Education Teachers

Abstract

A census survey approach was utilized to elicit perceptions of secondary level special education teachers (SETs) in a southwest Florida school district regarding the evaluation system used to assess their performance. A total of 96 special educators responded to an electronic survey. Findings revealed participants did not possess in-depth understanding of the evaluation framework, particularly as it relates to how the components of the system are combined to generate summative performance ratings. The study also found that participants viewed the framework as irresponsive to their multiple roles, responsibilities, and professional development needs as SETs. Participants strongly supported the adoption of a separate evaluation system for SETs. Participants reported an emotional cost associated with meeting the demands of the evaluation process.

Authors

• Gordon Brobbey, University of Washingon Tacoma

• Ann Cranston-Gingras, University of South Florida