Post on 17-May-2015
description
transcript
Evaluating Online Teachers
Barbara TreacyiNACOL Southeast
December, 2011
Questions to Address
Why does evaluation matter? What’s different about
evaluating online teachers? How do we align to iNACOL
Online Teaching Standards ? What strategies, tools and
approaches work? How do we connect evaluation
to professional development?
"Teacher quality matters. In fact, it is the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement.” -Jennifer King Rice, University of Maryland
“I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.”
- Lilly Tomlin
Why is Evaluation Important?
Quality requires accountability Online programs are under
scrutiny Student success depends on
quality teachers Strong evaluation supports
teacher retention
Teacher Evaluation Challenges
Lots of buzz about evaluation but little clarity
Teachers must be respected AND accountable
Evaluation requires staff, time and expertise
Clear expectations for teachers are needed Follow-up professional development and
collaborative opportunities are critical
Good Teaching is Good Teaching: Online or Face-to-
face"If you want to teach well to very high standards, you have to know the students well, you have to have that relationship that allows you to both challenge them, and adapt what you're doing for them so that it works."
-Linda Darling-Hammond
All Teachers Need To: establish clear expectations have good curriculum provide regular feedback and
assessment listen to and learn from their students address individual learning needs incorporate technology effectively collaborate with and contribute to
school and professional communities
What’s Different About Teaching Online? Online curriculum: different structure
Student expectations: make use of new tools Social dynamic: different pace and structures Online discussion: new facilitation strategies
needed; importance of written communication Classroom management: different methods to
address cohort and individual pacing needs Assessment: new tools and strategies needed Technical: challenges may occur
“The illiterate of the 21stcentury will not be those who cannot read and
write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and
relearn.” -Alvin Toffler
iNACOL Online Teaching Standards Initial: 2008; Updated: October, 2011
Focus on good teaching practices AND the online context – Connecting them
together Adapted from SREB Standards Address:
Teacher knowledge and understanding Teacher abilities
Set the agenda for quality teaching AND preparation of new online instructors
The Online Teacher:A: Knows concepts and structures of effective online instructionB: Uses a range of technologies that support student learning and engagementC: Plans, designs, and incorporates strategies for
active learning, interaction, participation, and collaboration
D: Promotes student success through clear expectations, prompt responses, and feedback
E: Models, guides, and encourages legal, ethical, and safe behavior related to technology use
The Online Teacher:F: Is cognizant of the diversity of student
needs and incorporates accommodationsG: Demonstrates competencies in creating and implementing assessments in online
environmentsH: Develops and delivers assessments, projects,
and assignments that meet standards-based learning goals
I: Demonstrates competency in using data from assessments and other data sources
J: Interacts in a professional, effective manner with colleagues, parents, and other community members
K: (Optional) Arranges media and content online
Evaluation Strategies And Tools Establish clear expectations and
incorporate iNACOL Online Teaching Standards
Ensure all teachers understand the Standards and expectations, including new teachers
Encourage teachers to conduct self-evaluations based on Standards
Work with teachers to set annual goals, with accountability measures and PD plans
Strategies and Tools, cont. Develop and prepare administrative staff
to conduct regular teacher evaluations Establish and share observation process
At least annually for all teachers More frequently for new teachers As needed when issues arise
Use the LMS/CMS and other data thoughtfully
Include teacher artifacts/portfolios
Role of Professional Development Evaluation must be coupled with a PD plan;
targeted to the outcomes of the evaluation Online teachers also need ongoing PD in:
subject matter content and pedagogy online pedagogy and instructional practice new technologies and tools school/district policies
Recognize importance of teacher communities and collaborative opportunities
Questions for Discussion
What challenges do you face in implementing teacher evaluation?
What strategies and tools do you use?
What’s different when evaluating online teachers?
How do you use the iNACOL Online Teaching Standards?
Thank you!
Barbara Treacybtreacy@edc.org
EdTech Leaders Onlinehttp://edtechleaders.org
Education Development Centerhttp://edc.org