Lack of accuracy, feedback, and commitment in teacher evaluation

Summary The contention that evaluation and supervision is the primary process in today's schools by which instructional excellence is achieved and maintained (Pajak's 1990) is wishful thinking. Rather, this characterization is dead wrong. Teacher evaluation has lost or never had a purpose. It has become perfunctory. Little energy is invested, and the teacher receives little if any constructive feedback for improvement. In too many districts, the only reason for complying is to meet state requirements.Teachers in many cases have good reasons for holding evaluation and supervision in contempt. Evaluations have not been helpful, evaluators are not adequately trained in curriculum and instruction, and feedback is either absent or of low quality. Most serious of all, they do not result in instructional improvement. Failure to provide accurate feedback accompanied by substantive and practical suggestions for improvement closes the door to improvement and enhanced internal motivation. This abrogation of duty is malpractice in its worst form. Educators thrive on success in accomplishing their number one goal-helping people learn. Successful supervision and evaluation programs are designed to capitalize on powerful internal motivators, resulting in improved performance and higher personal satisfaction.