Improving principal practice : addressing teacher evaluation through data analysis and strategic professional development

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Heather Pendry Mullins (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Kathleen Topolka-Jorissen

Abstract: This improvement project was developed to address the discrepancy between how principals rate and evaluate teachers and the value-added measures teachers receive based on student growth data from standardized tests. Specifically, this project engaged a group of principals in a professional development program designed to improve their rater agreement against criterion measures in a commercially developed program. Employing improvement science methods, a multi-tiered process of interventions was designed and implemented with the goals of improving target agreement, decreasing discrepancy, and eliminating scoring bias among the twelve evaluators who participated in the study in the Concordia School District. After each intervention, data were analyzed to determine appropriate subsequent interventions. Through collaboration with leaders from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) the project was enhanced and extended through face-to-face opportunities and follow-up sessions. Qualitative and quantitative data from the project indicate that evaluation ratings improved among the participants. Due to the collaborative nature of the project between a district and the state department of education, this prototype for improving the quality of evaluations has implications to serve as a statewide model.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
evaluation, observation, principal, rating, value-added
Subjects
School principals -- Training of -- North Carolina -- Cabarrus County
Teachers -- Rating of -- North Carolina -- Cabarrus County
School personnel management -- North Carolina -- Cabarrus County
School improvement programs -- North Carolina -- Cabarrus County
Educational leadership -- North Carolina -- Cabarrus County
School districts -- North Carolina -- Cabarrus County

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