Teacher evaluation: Perceptions of elementary school teachers and principals.
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azu_td_9620364_sip1_m.pdf
Author
Schreiner, Deborah Jolyn.Issue Date
1995Committee Chair
Nelson, Lawrence O.
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The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
This dissertation was developed to examine the perceptions of elementary school teachers and their principals regarding teacher evaluation. The study gathered data concerning attitudes toward current evaluation practices as well as perceived ideal practices. A survey instrument was designed and distributed to elementary school teachers and principals in sex selected public school districts in a selected county in Arizona. A total of 159 teacher surveys and 11 principal surveys were used for the data analysis. The participants were asked to respond to 20 questions for both their current situation and perceived ideal situation of teacher evaluation. These responses were given on a five-point Likert scale and were used to define both an accountability scale and a professional growth scale for perceptions of teacher evaluation. In addition, three open-ended questions required brief written responses regarding strengths and weaknesses of the evaluation system in place in their district. Another eight questions collected demographic data. Both the t-test and the ANOVA were used to determine significant differences between the responses of the two groups. The results of this study revealed that teachers and principals agreed with each other's perceptions of accountability and professional growth as primary purposes of teacher evaluation. Contrasts were noted when responses for each group were compared between the real and ideal scales. Teachers and principals both indicated that an even stronger emphasis be given to accountability and growth. There was a significant difference found between teachers' ideal perception of their level of involvement in the development of evaluation procedures and their perception of the amount of involvement they currently experience. Significant differences were also found between teachers' perceived ideal and real levels of confidence in their evaluator's competence. Additionally, both groups indicated that including feedback from students and peers was a necessary but deficient component in teacher evaluation. Demographic variables had no significant influence on the perceptions of either teachers or principals with regard to teacher evaluation. Overall, both teachers and principals perceived their current evaluation procedures less favorably than their perceived ideal practices of evaluation. Teachers and principals appear eager to discuss and refine evaluation practices.Type
textDissertation-Reproduction (electronic)
Degree Name
Ed.D.Degree Level
doctoralDegree Program
Educational Administration and Higher EducationGraduate College