Using Observational and Student Achievement Data to Improve Teaching (2014)
A Conference for Superintendents, Principals and others Engaged in Educator Observation and Evaluation
On January 10, 2014, the College of Education at the University of Arizona hosted a one-day conference on improving classroom instruction. The purpose was to focus on an important piece of enhancing classroom teaching: feedback based upon careful observation. The conference brought together expertise from Arizona and around the country to provide a rich array of ideas for discussion and examination. Speakers addressed the practical considerations that help teacher evaluators do their job well.
Speakers
Alyson Lavigne presented her work with Roger Chamberlain. They conducted a study of over 600 principal responses about their experiences in evaluating teaching. This study was supported by the Illinois Principals Association and the Midwest Principals’ Center. Lavigne discussed school leaders’ perception about their ability and knowledge to evaluate teachers well and findings about what they think would make their role more effective.
Please click here to watch a clip of Alyson Lavigne's presentation, or here to download a PDF of Lavigne and Chamberlain's PowerPoint slides.
Assistant Superintendent Carolyn Dumler and principals Kristin Reidy, Patricia Cadigan, and Sarah Clem (left to right in photographs) represented Marana Unified School District. Dumler discussed her attempt to ensure meaningful evaluator-dialogue and encourage teacher reflection related to formal observations. Principals described the process from their perspective.
Please click here to watch a clip of Carolyn Dumler, Kristin Reidy, Patricia Cadigan, and Sarah Clem's presentation, or here to download a PDF of their PowerPoint slides.
Corinne Herlihy presented data from the National Center for Teacher Effectiveness collected from teachers in four districts. Based upon this sample, Herlihy discussed how value-added models relate to other indicators of teacher quality, such as classroom observation scores, student survey results, and measures of teacher knowledge. Herlihy shared lessons learned about the recruitment and monitoring of raters of classroom observations.
Please click here to watch a clip of Corinne Herlihy's presentation, or here to download a PDF of her PowerPoint slides.
Francesca López discussed instructional observation of English learners. Arizona policy requires certain classroom configurations to meet the needs of English learners. This session addressed effective teaching practices that can enhance classroom observations with Arizona SEI policy.
Please click here to watch a clip of Francesca López's presentation, or here to download a PDF of her PowerPoint slides.
Lisa Holland addressed steps in the implementation of teacher evaluation in her school. Technical and practical issues were presented in a pro/con assessment. Holland discussed what was learned from the Arizona pilot, and provided her views of the impact on teaching.
Please click here to watch a clip of Lisa Holland's presentation, or here to download a PDF of her PowerPoint slides.
Monica Nelson and Jay Midyett (left to right in photographs) presented in place of Roseanne Lopez. They discussed the AMPHI teacher evaluation system, presented preliminary findings from the observation instrument and discussed challenges in measuring a qualitative profession with quantitative tools.
Please click here to watch a clip of Monica Nelson and Jay Midyett's presentation, or here to download a PDF of Roseanne Lopez's PowerPoint slides.
Andrew Morrill discussed future issues in teacher evaluation in Arizona. What is the larger education conversation in Arizona as policy makers and practitioners diverge? Can developing patterns of evaluation policy be influenced by school administrators, teachers and concerned citizens?
Please click here to watch a clip of Andrew Morrill's presentation.