Good teaching involves knowing the course content and how to teach it; building a strong, trusting relationship with students; setting and supporting high expectations; and continually monitoring students' understanding and adjusting instruction accordingly. Of course, those things must be done while maintaining classroom control and managing behavior issues. The Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) Project--a research partnership supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that involved approximately 3,000 teacher volunteers from seven school districts--found that a well-designed student perception survey can provide reliable feedback on aspects of teaching practice that affect student learning. The surveys used in the MET study are designed not to be teacher popularity contests. Instead, they asked students whether they agree or disagree with a variety of statements, including, "My teacher knows when the class understands, and when we do not"; "My teacher has several good ways to explain each topic that we cover in this class"; and "When I turn in my work, my teacher gives me useful feedback that helps me improve." Such questions offer students the chance to give feedback on specific aspects of a teacher's practice so that he or she can adjust instruction accordingly. The MET Project offers four important guidelines for creating and using student perception surveys as part of a formal feedback and evaluation system. They are: (1 ) Measure what matters; (2) Ensure accuracy; (3) Ensure reliability; and (4) Support improvement. Student feedback, perceptions, and opinions can help teachers improve, hone their craft, and excel in the classroom.