Teacher Observation and Evaluation: A Working Paper.

This paper discusses evaluating and observing teacher performance. It consists of three sections. The first section is an introduction, in which it is stated that most observations are used for the following two purposes: (1) the improvement of instruction, and (2) the provision of information to those who make personnel decisions in a school system. The second section is the major part of the paper. It is in the form of an outline and is a guide containing general descriptive examples of items that might be included in teacher observations. The major headings are (1) "the teaching process," (2) "non teacher-controlled factors which influence the teaching process," and (3) "special strengths of teachers." Subheadings under the teaching process include: "preparation," which lists topics to be discussed with the teacher; "delivery," which lists things to be observed in the classroom; and "observational evaluation," which lists things to be discussed in conference with the teacher. The second major heading includes the subheadings "physical factors,""scheduling," and "extracurricular activities and responsibilities." Each of these subheadings is broken down into items to be evaluated. The last major heading is divided into the subheadings "personal and professional," and each of these is broken down into characteristics to be observed. The last section of the paper is a summary which states that observation is a complex undertaking and many factors must be taken in account. (RC)