Publication Date

2002

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Goode, Constance Lee Boyd

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Teaching and Learning

LCSH

High school teachers--Illinois--Attitudes; High school teachers--Rating of--Illinois; High school teachers--In-service training--Illinois

Abstract

This qualitative dissertation investigated the experiences with evaluation of twenty tenured high school teachers in Illinois. The study was designed to explore the perceptions of their personal, professional growth when opting to design and implement an alternative form of teacher evaluation. Teachers shared their experiences of evaluation through an in-depth interview process. Interviews were conducted from March 2000 to March 2001. Analysis of the data revealed three common themes: (1) the alternative evaluation plans afforded teachers opportunities to develop collaborative relationships with other colleagues; (2) successful professional growth opportunities must relate to the day-to-day activities of a teacher and have direct impact on student learning; and (3) the teacher must be directly involved in all stages of the alternative evaluation process. Consistent with the research on evaluation procedures, these teachers perceived a need for a differentiated approach to evaluation. The traditional method of evaluation, complete with a rating list, was deemed more appropriate for new teachers who need structure and guidance. Tenured teachers, previously rated excellent or superior, need the option of investigating an area of their own interest and the opportunity to work with fellow colleagues. This study suggests that alternative evaluation plans have a direct impact on student learning. Teachers elect to participate in certain professional growth activities when they see the relevance to their day-to-day teaching responsibilities. Teaching and learning are inextricably linked; without the professional growth of teachers, there could be no quality learning on the part of students.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [85]-91).

Extent

[viii], 128 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS