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)

A veteran cooperating teacher suggests that the key to a successful student teaching experience is organization and preparation, including setting objectives for the supervising teacher and student teacher, providing school orientation and a work area for the student teacher, helping pupils adjust to a student teacher, and accessibility. (CB)

When performance problems arise with a tenured teacher, the principal has the following obligations: (1) determine the extent and cause of the problems; (2) devise a remediation strategy; (3) respect the teacher's due process rights; and (4) maintain written documentation. (MLF)

To ensure quality instruction, principals must place a priority on teacher observation and feedback. Practical recommendations include the following: (1) offering teachers immediate feedback; (2) being generous with praise, specific with concerns; and (3) monitoring teachers with problems. (MLF)

This review of research on instructional improvement and teacher evaluation considers the complex issues affecting the K-8 principal's ability to enhance educational quality through effective supervision of the instructional process. According to several studies, teachers found formal evaluations far less valuable than direct assistance and…

Chapter 10 of a revised volume on school leadership, this chapter considers the recruitment, evaluation, supervision, dismissal, and professional development of teachers. The chapter also summarizes practical wisdom on these topics and offers suggestions for administrators. Recruiting and selecting teachers may be the most critical tasks faced by…

Intensive Assistance is presented as a routine to be used in helping marginal teachers improve. It is a systems team approach and provides a vehicle for developing human resources. (MD)

Supervising teachers of adults requires sensitivity and skill in order to achieve a relationship of openness and trust. In their role of helping agents, supervisors identify needs, assist in classroom management, and provide opportunities for teacher improvement. (SK)

The definition and theory of clinical supervision are discussed. (Author/MLF)

To improve instruction, a cadre of assisting professionals, trained in clinical supervision techniques and philosophy, must be developed in each school system to work with teachers as colleagues in a nonevaluative, supportive role. (Author/MLF)

The principal has a duty to assess the worth (make a summative evaluation) of the various parts of the organization, including teachers, and the further responsibility for making provision for the formative evaluation of the teaching staff with a view to assisting them in their personal and professional growth. (Author)

Strategies for meeting the challenges and responsibilities that the accountability movement implies for the school administrator, particularly the principal. (Author/MLF)

Considers three aspects of support offered by principals and reading supervisors to beginning teachers: instructional models, instructional materials, and mentoring. Argues that providing support for beginning teachers (particularly those using literature-based instruction) should not be left to chance but requires conscious effort and planning.…

Suggestions for improving teacher assessment of student performance are presented in this paper, with attention to ways in which superintendents can help. Suggested activities include pre- and post-observation conferences, a review of the teacher's plan book, and development of a professional growth plan. Because teachers as a group often lack…

Linking teaching portfolios to the scholarship of teaching can help the teaching profession in general (and communication departments in particular) and can help expand the ways to document what teachers do to help students learn. E. Boyer's report "Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate" provides a structure and…