The only valid reason for supervising and evaluating teachers is to improve instruction. Boards of education can improve teaching and learning in schools by setting up a teacher evaluation system, letting administrators do their jobs, and giving backup with funding. (MLF)

Despite the administrative leadership that most principals receive in university courses, their most useful learning doesn't occur until they are on the job. The new knowledge--much of it the result of trial and error, success and failure--is gained in relative isolation. This book focuses on the critical work of school principals, offering…

This chapter examines the legal issues involved in state evaluation statutes as interpreted by the judiciary. The nature and purpose of state statutes governing evaluation are described, followed by a discussion of how these statutes relate to tenure laws, administrative regulations, board policy, and collective bargaining agreements. Next,…

This monograph guides administrators in developing policies that lead to improved supervision of instruction. Chapter 1, "The Mystery of Effective Teaching," by Barbara Benham Tye, focuses on improving schools' work environment through the supportive methods of clinical supervision. Arthur L. Costa describes five phases of the process…