Criteria and Performance Indicators
that administrators may see during a teacher evaluation:
(in red are the ways this can be observed)
5 Areas are looked at to evaluate a teacher:
Planning
Instruction
Safety and Learning Environment
Communication and Community Relations
Professionalism
When reviewing these look at what is evaluate and how it can be observed…..
The think about your “typical day,” are you doing these?
If so can you do more?
If not what can you do to adjust?
Good Luck and Remember Good Teaching practices are in all of us!
Planning:(one would not see all of these on 1 visit but several can be observed at various times)
- Instruction reflects high expectations and are clearly defined in lesson plans and objectives
Teacher gives a written or verbal instruction of the day – “a roadmap” of where we are going today.
- Objectives for instruction is linked to prior student knowledge
Teacher uses questions & answers to apply or remind of previous info, references to prior lessons.
- Lesson plans are clear, logical, and sequential
Teacher shows flow from one activity to another good transition building of knowledge and info is seen.
- Integrates the use of technology in lesson plans
Teacher/Student using graphing calculators, SMART Boards, computers, with purpose etc.
- Uses student products as a source for assessment and instructional decisions
Teacher uses student projects/speeches/presentations to teach the class and other students – students teaching students.
- Prepares tests that reflect the academic content studied
Handouts/Tests reflect on grade level, on content, questioning and wording is proper, not on college level or so low it is “dummy down.”
- Provides prompts and meaningful feedback to students about performance and progress
Teacher checks for understanding, how do they respond to a student’s question and students’ discussions?
Teacher explains a students’ grade on an assignment, progress report, report card, etc.
- Monitors student understanding on an ongoing basis and adjusts teaching when necessary
How does the teacher assess a test if student did poorly – did they move on, readjust and revisit and regroup, is item check analyze being used?
Instruction:(one would not see all of these on 1 visit but several can be observed at various times)
- Communicates a belief that all students can learn
Teacher conversation with administrator about students, referrals, want could be done.
- Encourages problem solving and critical thinking
Teacher’s use of types of questioning to encourage students to think beyond the concrete, thinking outside the box.
- Uses a variety of teaching strategies
Teacher, please not just lecture – use grouping, change activities, vary how you present the material – be creative.
- Models/demonstrates skill/concept being taught through a variety of activities
Students are doing activities solo, in groups/pairs, going to the board, using manipulative, etc.
- Checks for understanding; provides closure and summary of lesson
Teacher at the end of class pulls “day” or “lesson” together – wrap’s it up (am exit slip), using student questioning summary or teacher but coming to some closure of the material and connections.
Safety and Learning Environment:(one would not see all of these on 1 visit but several can be observed at various times)
- Establishes effective classroom rules and consistent procedures
Can the students follow the classroom’s routine, is there consistency of the rules for all students, no surprise that the rules changed.
- Communicates clear expectations about behavior to students
Teacher gave classroom rules in the beginning of the course and students still know them, have they been “refreshed” recently, posting is not needed but use if needed for certain classes to remember them.
- Treats students with respect
Teacher’s tone with students, humor in class (correctly and respectful), Teacher not playing “I got ya!” Don’t set-up students to fail, Teacher remembers to be the adult in the room.
- Communicates personal enthusiasm for learning
Teacher is not just going through the motions, Teacher truly likes what they teach, and Teacher wants students to get it, like it, not just doing for SOLs.
Communication and Community Relations: (one would not see all of these on 1 visit but several can be observed at various times)
- Uses precise language, correct vocabulary and grammar
Teacher when speaking (in halls, in class) uses complete sentences not slang. Be a role model.
Teacher when writing memos, letters, and reports uses correct language and presents a professional “note.”
- Is sensitive to the social and cultural background of students and parents
Teacher remembers all students are different and they all come with “baggage” some more than others. Try to be aware and realize they need to be flexible with home situations, etc.
- Gives directions that are clear and reasonable
Teacher provides both verbal and written directions, makes sure students are clear once given not frustrated because too much at once. Sometimes timing is a key how presented whether on a handout, homework, test etc.
Professionalism:(one would not see all of these on 1 visit but several can be observed at various times)
- Works in the best interest of the students, school, and community
Teacher helps other students, other teachers and colleagues, works with parents and helps sponsor activities, gives a helping hand anytime asked. Does not just “sit” in their cave.
- Resolves concerns and problems in a constructive manner
Teacher remembers to be the adult, pick battles remembering no one will win in a fight between teacher and student/class, tries to turn it around to be a learning tool vs. a bigger problem.
- Relates to colleagues, parents, and others in an ethical and professional manner
Teacher treats “adults” with respect, avoids gossip, watch when discussing students who is around and do it respectfully, treats others as they wish to be treated.
- Maintains a professional demeanor and appearance
Teacher is able to arise above the event and move on, seen as respectful by peers and students, handles situations in a professional manner regardless how they may feel.
Teacher dresses like the adult in class and not the student. Teacher presents a professional front.
When all is say and done ask yourself this question:
Would you like to be a student in your own class?
Sometimes we need to “wear” our students’ shoes for 90 minutes!
Could you do it? Pick your problem kid, what could be different?