My assignment for the
Teach-Now program is to compare two evaluation systems. The first evaluation system I observed was watching the Teaching Channel video. A teacher named Laura Gurick, a
high school Chemistry teacher, is being evaluated by Karen Hughes. The evaluation was a three part evaluation:
pre-observation, observation and post observation. The pre-observation takes place before class
time where Hughes (the observer) asked questions about the lesson and
expectations of the class. The teacher
is able to ask questions regarding the evaluation that is going to take
place. I thought it was important to
have this interaction prior to class so the anxiety level of the teacher was
lower and understanding what the observer is assessing for. I would like my mentor to give me insight
before evaluating my class instruction time.
The observation followed when the observer is in the class and assessing
the lesson and interactions of the teacher.
Even though the planned experiment was not successful, the teacher
planned for a backup scenario, demonstrating solid planning. This is something I have learned through the
Teach-Now class, you need a backup plan when using technology or
experiments. After the observation
assessment and meeting the post observation process occurred where the observer
gave feedback to the teacher regarding the evaluation. The observer asked questions about the lesson
and class interactions. I would value
this time with my mentor; a time to reflect, asses and grow.
The other evaluation
system I researched is the CSTP (California Standards for the Teaching Profession). This evaluation system is
rubric based and follows six core standards in evaluating effective teachers: Engaging and supporting all students in learning, Creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning, Understanding and organizing subject matter for student learning, Planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students, Assessing students for learning, and Developing as a professional educator. (CTC, p3) These standards focus on the diversity of both teachers and students in the state of California, the needs of all students and the environment where the students are learning along with content and growth. I am not currently teaching in the state of California and I have not been evaluated thus far. I feel these standards are specific and goal oriented for a teacher to understand the job they are performing and how they will be evaluated.
Comparing the evaluation
system seen in the Teaching Channel video, and the CSTP both evaluations
have clear expectations and specific feedback.
I feel the CSTP is more specific and is goal oriented for a teacher
based on the six standards while the Teaching Channel video had the three parts, depending on
the pre-observation meeting with the observer, the evaluation could be vague or
detailed.
References:
TeachingChannel. (n,d.).
New Teacher Survival Guide: The Formal Observation. Retrieved from https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/preparing-for-formal-observations
Teacher Evaluation: A
Resource guide for National Education Association Leaders and staff. NEA.
Retrieved fromhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzYfzjQoASL_eGdtNFdsbXRIRDQ/view
TNTP.org. (n.d.). Teacher Evaluation 2.0. Retrieved
from The New Teachers Project:
file:///C:/Users/Amy/Downloads/M4U4A3_Teacher-Evaluation_2.0-20150707115740.pdf
Marshall, K. (2014,
January 2). Teacher Evaluation Rubrics. Retrieved
May 31, 2017, from http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/teachers-leaders/practicerubrics/Docs/marshall-teacher-rubric-jan-2014.pdf
Preparing
For the Formal Observation New Teacher Resources. (2017).
Retrieved from https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/preparing-for-formal-observations
