Those who supervise teachers are in an excellent position to influence the learning experiences of many youngsters, believes this educator. Supervisors who give thoughtful and constructive guidance can improve the school for students and teachers alike. (Editor)

Using a minute-by-minute observational chart, classroom activities and student involvement may be recorded. Such a record is valuable for noting students' and teachers' time on task. (JW)

To overcome the difficulties imposed by the prescribed question format, a topically arranged guide in the form of a wheel is recommended for conducting preobservation teacher conferences with teachers. The circular arrangement allows adjustment of the topic sequence to meet the teacher's needs and intentions. This nonlinear and nonthreatening…

More information is necessary about constraints placed on teachers before sound classroom performance evaluations can be conducted. Results of an observational instrument utilized in South Carolina, "Describing Practices and Intentions of Classroom Teachers," isolates classroom factors associated with appropriateness of teachers'…

The purpose and value of teacher observation is diminished if the post-observation conference is not well planned and productive. The observer must take into account the setting, the tone, and the messages conveyed. Includes advice on questioning strategies, data sharing, focusing strategies, and closure strategies. (Author/MD)

The type of evaluation form provided here supplies the principal with a guide to what to look for in a special education classroom, whatever the level of his or her expertise in the area. (Author/IRT)

Believes that classroom observation is, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of teacher evaluation. Offers nine suggestions intended to help administrators ensure that their observations are fair and representative. (Editor/RK)

Effective teacher evaluation strategies have several key elements, including involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process, establishing goals mutually, creating a time frame, emphasizing formative evaluation, revamping classroom observation practices, using rating scales sparingly, seeking training for evaluators, and identifying…

Presents a checklist of effective teaching practices to provide feedback on direct, explicit, active, and whole-class instruction. The set of statements is neither a prescription nor a micromanagement system but a springboard for personal reflection and collegial discussion. The instrument is divided into five sections: introducing the lesson,…

Describes a program that consists of a three-part cycle of activities, all of which involved the department chairmen working jointly with the principal on actual preobservation conferences as well as with actual classroom observations. (Author/MLF)

As instructional leader, the principal sets the tone for quality classroom instruction. Through designing effective observation instruments, conducting planning conferences, recording objective classroom observations, and providing constructive feedback, the principal can ensure that this goal is met. Includes one reference. (MLH)

The recent national report on the quality of education in the United States has noted the need for effective methods of evaluating teaching performance. These evaluations are best done by administrators. The pros and cons of various approaches to evaluation are discussed. Includes five references. (Author/MD)

High school principals cannot effectively lead their schools from principal's office, nor do they need more formal structure or unctuous human relations approach. Experienced principals have learned to get out of their offices and spend more of school day where 9ction is. Schools must not compromise their vitality and humanity to fit some…

The attempt to reduce teaching to discrete, observable behaviors is impractical. Checklists fail to capture the intangible qualities (sense of humor, enthusiasm, compassion) differentiating an effective teacher from an ineffective one. For skilled supervisors, the ultimate observation instrument is a blank sheet of paper accompanied by informed…

Principals may wonder how to evaluate teachers using student-centered, indirect teaching strategies with an assessment instrument geared to reward a more teacher-centered approach. This article offers some suggestions concerning the instructional cycle, classroom observation techniques, postobservation conferences, and the formal writeup. (MLH)