tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post6379255698196231628..comments2024-03-08T00:17:09.224-08:00Comments on The Daily Grind: ObservationsMr. McNamarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03062641578010808106noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post-25914865440844327542009-04-26T06:42:00.000-07:002009-04-26T06:42:00.000-07:00Our principal doesn't usually sit in for formal ob...Our principal doesn't usually sit in for formal observations unless there is some particular concern (parent/student complaints for example). However, he makes several informal observations. He comes into the class and watches what is happening for a few minutes and if appropriate, he engages with the kids and asks them to explain what they are doing. These informal observations are never announced, and I partially think he doesn't know he is going to do it until it happens either. I get the impression that he is walking around the building sometimes and thinks, "hmmm. . . I wonder what is going on in here today."<br /><br />As for the assessment of goals, that is part of the conference the teachers have with the principal. You set some concrete ways that you can measure progress. For example, my two goals this year are to improve students' ability to communicate mathematics in a written form and to improve students' scores on SAT and AP tests. The second goal is pretty easy to track since as an assessment, I will be using test data as it comes in. For the first goal, assessment of my progress will entail comparing student work from different stages in the year. The principal and teacher agree on a method of checking progress on the goals. It is definitely not an administrator vs teacher type of assessment.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07731237775975698390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post-14060518011965949832009-04-26T04:06:00.000-07:002009-04-26T04:06:00.000-07:00Andrew,
How often does a principal "observe" you t...Andrew,<br />How often does a principal "observe" you teach? And what is used to measure your progress towards your goals?<br /><br />I think the self-assessment is an important component, as is a reflective piece like a journal.<br /><br />Ms. V--I'm sorry to hear that. Isn't there a professional assistnce phase for when a teacher doesn't receive a satisifactory review?Mr. McNamarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03062641578010808106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post-42310411441816855882009-04-25T18:30:00.000-07:002009-04-25T18:30:00.000-07:00The evaluation process that our school uses is non...The evaluation process that our school uses is non-traditional. It involves teachers doing a self-assessment and choosing 2-3 goals for professional development. The principal then reviews the self-assessment and goals. Shortly after this the teacher meets with the principal to talk over everything. He and the teacher clarify the goals and that is pretty much the meeting. The following year he follows up on the progress made on your goals and then you can set new ones or continue on with the old ones. It works very well at our school.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07731237775975698390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post-473239088676079382009-04-25T17:30:00.000-07:002009-04-25T17:30:00.000-07:00I just suffered a FAILED evaluative practice, and ...I just suffered a FAILED evaluative practice, and am losing my job because of it. <br /><br />It's a bad thing.Ms. V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08714984422389618597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post-11351860866664410722009-04-25T09:00:00.000-07:002009-04-25T09:00:00.000-07:00I'm just getting to understand what's out there. ...I'm just getting to understand what's out there. <br />First, in order for any true reform to happen, teachers must trust that administrators are competent evaluators.<br />Second, I am interested in the multiple sources method in which the "formal" classroom observation acts as only part of an overall equation. There is much truth that a one-time visit does not yield an accurate understanding of a teacher's abilities. <br />I would favor a portfolio process in which a teacher provides samples from all that we do: lesson and unit planning, providing feedback, parent call log, journaling, etc. <br />We all understand that teaching is much more than the classroom experience and so the evaluation process should reflect this.Mr. McNamarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03062641578010808106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132773.post-64695361077291066052009-04-25T07:01:00.000-07:002009-04-25T07:01:00.000-07:00I agree that the common method of evaluating teach...I agree that the common method of evaluating teachers is broken. What are some of the things you would suggest?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07731237775975698390noreply@blogger.com