Steps to Successful Staff Evaluations By Louise Kunert and Mary Strezewski

Transcription

1 Steps to Successful Staff Evaluations By Louise Kunert and Mary Strezewski

2 What is Staff Evaluation? It is a professional activity intended to continuously review and enhance the ability of the teachers to further children s learning.

3 What is the Goal? The goal, therefore, of staff evaluation is: To enhance performance through professional development To support and motivate the individual IT IS NOT TO BE USED AS A REASON FOR DISMISSAL

4 Therefore, The Real Focus Of This Presentation Is No Longer Evaluation But Professional Development We want to turn around the negative connotations of the word evaluation to the positive implications of development. People want to enjoy fair and honest treatment and have their work appreciated.

5 Successful Professional Development leads to: A more successful learning environment for children Formation of a Positive Montessori Community Rapport Among Staff Members

6 STEP 1 Develop a common understanding of the role of the Montessori Teacher with basic expectations and responsibilities. No surprises and don t assume they should know these things.

7 Role of the Teacher Prepares Environment Implements Montessori Philosophy Presents Montessori Materials Observes Children

8 For Example: Prepares Environment The environment is neat, attractive and orderly. The furnishings and curriculum areas are designed for optimum use of space. The classroom has all the materials for all areas of the curriculum. The materials are complete and in good condition. The children in the classroom show an understanding of the expectations for behavior and functioning in the classroom.

9 Implements Montessori Philosophy Has a good understanding of Montessori philosophy and materials. Attends at least one professional development activity during the year and brings back information to use with children, parents and staff. Demonstrates an understanding of how to manage a Montessori Classroom using the Montessori Philosophy. Models grace and courtesy in interactions with children, support staff and parents. Works with parents and staff on developing a deeper understanding of the Montessori Philosophy and materials.

10 Presents Montessori Materials Effectively introduces the children to the materials in the classroom. Presentations are clear and concise. Works effectively with all age groups. Children demonstrate that they have been presented the lessons of grace and courtesy, take responsibility, are self-disciplined and independent. Children demonstrate their use of the Montessori materials as tools for academic growth and purposeful activity.

11 Observes Children Spends time each day in unengaged observation. Has a method of monitoring and recording student progress. Develops lesson plans and presentations based on observations. Refrains from diagnostic statements when dealing with a behavior or learning issue and follows all mandated steps for resolution.

12 Step 2 Look for a model that reflects the method and philosophy in your work with children. Our research and practical experience visiting schools brought us to a model that we think is a good fit.

13 MANAGEMENT BY WALKING AROUND

14 History of Management by Walking Around Management practices at Hewlett- Packard in the 1970 s. The 1982 book, In Search of Excellence: lessons from American s best run companies used the term management by walking around. Actually, Abraham Lincoln invented the management style by informally inspecting the Union Army troops in the early part of the American Civil War.

15 From Management Walk Around to Classroom Walkthrough Moving from a business model to an educational model... The Walk Around model as designed by Hewlett-Packard has been portrayed also as a effective and efficient system to collect data regarding instructional practices and provide valuable feedback.

16 Purpose of Classroom Walkthrough A classroom walkthrough was not designed for evaluation but for the purpose of professional development. Just as observation is an essential skill for teachers in a Montessori classroom, it is also essential for administrators to observe teachers in order to assist them in their growth and development.

17 Elliott Eisner, emeritus professor at Stanford University School of Education, suggests that in order to be effective, leaders need to spend one third of their time in the classrooms. When principals spend more time in classrooms, teachers report a positive perception of the principal.

18 In order for teacher quality to improve, Thomas Sergiovanni, professor of education Trinity University and University of Illinois, stated that leadership is the key. School improvement relies heavily on the working relationship between instructional leaders and teachers. The success of the organization is sustained when the leaders serve as teachers for others.

19 Aims of Classroom Walkthroughs Provide direct, honest and specific informal written and/or oral feedback to teachers based on the snapshot observed. The number one motivator of teachers is feedback. It keeps them going.

20 Walkthroughs provide opportunities for: Reinforcing attention on the delivery method of the Montessori Method Gathering data about instructional practice and student learning Stimulating collegial conversation about teaching and learning Learning from other participants Developing a Montessori Community

21 STEP 3 LET S WALKTHROUGH!

22 Suggestions for Doing It Right: Make walkthroughs a part of your routine. Planned - on your calendar Unplanned just drop in The more often you do it the more beneficial it is. Come on your own.

23 More Suggestions Visit every classroom for short focused observations. Try to spend roughly the same amount of time in each classroom. Recognize good ideas that you happen to observe. Give feedback as soon as possible. Follow questions with answers, immediately if possible. This builds trust.

24 More Suggestions Don t criticize remember we are trying to build rapport and trust. Make time for short immediate feedback. Provide occasional follow-up opportunities. Communicate I want you to succeed and I want you to enjoy your work.

25 The Payoff People who feel good about themselves produce good results. Helping people feel good about themselves is a key to getting more done. Be excited about setting goals and making your school a better place for children.

26 The Payoff Continued All staff contribute to the collaborative process: By sharing goals with the entire faculty using an informal collaborative process. With the purpose of developing the Montessori community.

27 The Biggest Payoff You demonstrate to your staff that you care about what they are doing. You demonstrate that you want to understand what they are doing. You demonstrate that you have trust that they will do the best job that they can. You demonstrate a willingness to establish and maintain open communication.

28 But Most of All You demonstrate that you trust them and have faith in their efforts just as they should have trust in the children.

29 We Want you to Remember Leadership is the key. People want to enjoy fair and honest treatment and have their work appreciated. The number one motivator of teachers is feedback. It keeps them going.

30 Don t Forget Communicate I want you to succeed and I want you to enjoy your work. People who feel good about themselves produce good results.

31 Have a Good Time Walking Through Your School!!!