Everyone at the Table

A proven method for working with teachers to design better evaluations There is no magic formula for successfully designing a teacher evaluation system. However there is abundant evidence that suggests involving teachers in the process will reduce the likelihood of opposition, gridlock, and reform failure. Everyone at the Table provides materials to genuinely engage teachers in the evaluation process. The book is a research–based and field–tested practical guide for school leaders. With this resource, educators will have the tools they need to develop meaningful teacher evaluations. Offers a collaborative approach to designing teacher evaluations Includes a companion web–based resource, with video This research–based program outlines a solid plan for improving teacher effectiveness through evaluation reform.

Preface ix Acknowledgments xvii About the Authors xix PART ONE 1 UNDERSTANDING THE TEACHER EVALUATION CONVERSATION AND WHY IT MATTERS 1 Why Now? The Importance of Cultivating Teacher Leadership and Teacher Voice in the Age of Accountability 3 2 The Teacher Effectiveness Question: How Can Effectiveness Be Measured? 19 PART TWO 55 WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT EFFECTIVELY ENGAGING TEACHERS 3 The Who, When, and How of Evaluation: Engaging Teachers on Issues That Matter 57 4 The Elements of Authentic Engagement 81 PART THREE 105 THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS 5 Planning: Steps for Engaging Teachers 107 6 Strategies for Ensuring Authentic Engagement in Evaluation Reform 131 7 Optional Activities for Teacher Engagement in Evaluation Reform 179 8 Other Stakeholders: Engaging Principals, Parents, and Community Members 192 9 Conclusion: Teacher Voice in Evaluation and Beyond 217 References 225 Index 233