Discusses trends in teacher evaluation, including classroom observations, peer coaching, portfolios, self-evaluation, artifacts collection, and action research. Discusses the steps of action research. (RS)

Reports on the effort by the National Teacher Examination to set standards in the field of speech communication. Describes the way in which the examination is put together and discusses some of the strengths and weaknesses of such a method. (KEH)

A Michigan teacher evaluation system has two goals: to improve instruction and provide for professional growth. Emphasizing clinical supervision, the system calls for the supervisor and teacher to share equally in the challenge of expanding the teacher's classroom skills. (MLF)

This paper presents an outline of questions intended to help teachers analyze their classroom behavior management methods and styles. The questions focus on ways in which teachers can prevent negative behaviors, keep students on task, deal with developing behavior problems, and practice effective classroom management. (PB)

Suggests that child care competency and compensation evaluations should follow different performance review schedules. Benefits would include teacher growth; frequent and direct feedback; the separation of competency and compensation in the minds of administrators and teachers; and appropriate salary increases. (RJC)

Discusses research regarding the use of writing portfolios in writing classrooms. Explores how the results of such research might inform teachers and administrators interested in designing teacher evaluations using teacher portfolios. Presents seven principles for ensuring growth among teachers using portfolios for assessment. (HB)

Teacher evaluation should consider the curriculum element; that is, teachers should be evaluated in terms of making clear what content they want students to learn and at what level of function they want the content handled. Guidelines are suggested for conducting the evaluation and for evaluating the evaluation process. (SM)

Addresses what standards for English teachers should be and how they should work. Questions the value of the standards movement as it is playing out in the United States, especially as a vehicle for school reform. Suggests ways of positioning standards within a different rhetoric. (RS)

The Principal's Legal Handbook contains information and recommendations for practice in four areas. Section 1, "Students and the Law," yields interesting and informative answers on a number of issues related to students and the law: recent issues in schools relative to students' rights; the use of technology; and the latest case law and…

Written in a reader-friendly style for busy faculty members and school administrators with little or no prior knowledge of statistics, this comprehensive model is designed to create fair, valid, and reliable assessments of teacher knowledge and skills. Evaluation experts Judy Wilkerson and Steve Lang provide detailed guidance for the complete…

Curriculum, instruction, classroom climate, enhancement of self-esteem, and organizing for teaching are readily evaluated by using this manual for teacher evaluation. Five performance areas outlined in part 1 list benchmark skills associated with sound teaching skills: (1) proficiency with curriculum; (2) evaluating student growth; (3) preparation…

This paper offers guidelines in the consideration of an open or closed classroom-observation system. Factors in the definition of an observation approach include target, timing, focus, topic of observation, and data-collection system. Because there are advantages and drawbacks to any classroom-observation system, the following factors should be…

A brief review of the events leading up to the enactment of the Career Incentive Program is provided. Competencies used to evaluate the teachers are listed, defined, and exemplified. Detailed procedures for implementation are given along with various forms used in the assessment process. The complete law is printed out. (Author)

The Teacher Quality Assurance Program, an integral part of the Houston, Texas, Plan for Excellence, addresses renewal and professional growth opportunities for current staff. The program is administered by a bi- or tri-dimensional assessment team that may consist of the principal, an instructional supervisor, and the associate and/or deputy…

The five papers in this volume are directed to Catholic educators. The first paper discusses the practical problems of organizing and implementing a successful retreat program for high school students. The second paper concerns the complex process of developing effective teacher evaluation instruments. It presents a survey of the literature on…