Results of a naturalistic, observational analysis of 43 self-contained classrooms serving severely handicapped students indicated that during designated instructional periods, slightly less than half of all student time was spent on-task. When students were on-task, almost two-thirds of their time involved nonfunctional instructional tasks.…

Music teachers are often evaluated solely in terms of classroom management skills and assembly programs. This article suggests observable, measurable ways for principals to assess elementary music teaching--contingent on children's demonstrable enjoyment and understanding of music. Paul Lehman adds eight reasons for music education, including…

The formative evaluation of an experimental French class is described; several common evaluative techniques and their specific findings for this class are discussed; and the use of the formative approach for evaluation of innovative second language instruction is supported. (MSE)

School administrators served as subjects to determine the effectiveness of teacher evaluation procedures. Examination of teacher's lesson plan had no effect on teacher assessment. However, prior assessment of lesson plan via an evaluation instrument improved effectiveness of evaluation of teacher's task sequencing skills, subject knowledge, and…

The potential of two-way television as an instructional medium was examined through observations of presentations by medical faculty. The study found that similar teaching strategies were used in conventional classrooms and in two-way television mediated lessons. Detailed study results are offered. (Author/DF)

The concept of instructional improvement is used as a framework to synthesize research concerning systematic observation of instruction. A self-help model for improving classroom instruction is proposed that illustrates the concepts of instructional effectiveness, systematic observation of instruction, and assistance as a personalized,…

Student teaching is considered the most important experience of a teacher preparation program. The supervisor of student teachers must possess excellent observation skills and be able to change behaviors. Suggestions for supervisors of physical education student teachers are offered. (DF)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the effectivenss of training teacher evaluators in lesson plan analysis, classroom observation techniques, and supervisory conference skills. (HOD)

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Plan for Instructional Improvement requires principals to take part in several workshops and activities to learn how to analyze what goes on in the classroom. Principals then direct teacher inservice training by conducting staff meetings, small seminars, and classroom observation followed by teacher conferences. (MLF)

Suggests that the observation of student behavior may be a better method of assessing learning than the use of standardized tests and outlines several observational techniques, including student commentaries, shadow studies, checklists, and anecdotal records. (Author/JG)

The sample classroom observation checklist enables educators to judge the level of implementation of an innovative program in a classroom and in a school. (IRT)

A classroom observation system was used in 1) a nontraditional, open-classroom setting with primarily middleclass students, 2) a Follow Through class in a public school with low income students, and 3) a traditional class in a public school with low-income students. (JY)

An evaluation instrument was developed and used which was designed to aid the evaluation of the implementation of an adaptive education program. It was found that the more closely the classrooms followed the model program, the higher the achievement level. (JY)

This third edition offers timely solutions for successfully dealing with marginal teachers. Lawrence illustrates the proper actions that principals should integrate into the evaluation processes to successfully gather documentation to help improve or terminate an ineffective teacher. Complete with tools and resources to streamline the evaluation…

This study investigated the consistency of classroom process variables. Four teachers representing the primary, intermediate, middle, and high school levels of instruction were observed for extended periods of time. Information about four classroom process variables was collected using the Five-Minute Observation component of the SRI Classroom…