A Coherent System of Teacher Evaluation for Quality Teaching

Abstract

This article addresses the questions, “How should we evaluate the quality of teaching?” and “What kind of evaluation system will move all California teachers on a path of improvement throughout their careers?” The article, adapted from a report written by a group of accomplished California teachers, recommends seven core principles to develop a system of teacher evaluation that provides meaningful and ongoing inputs and moves teachers on a path of continuous improvement throughout their careers. It also addresses some of the elements of accountability that the state system writ large can adopt to create a system that fosters high-quality teaching.