In an extensive review of teacher and school evaluation, one is not likely to find an issue more divisive than the question of how best, in high-stakes contexts, to evaluate how well teachers and schools accomplish their task of educating students.

This book explores four contemporary approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of teachers and schools.

A masterful compilation of diverse perspectives. Daniel L. Stufflebeam, Director, The Evaluation Center, Western Michigan University It′s not a question of whether student learning is an important goal of teaching. Everyone agrees it is. The issue explored here is can you (and should you) use student learning as a measurement tool for assessing teacher effectiveness? This book examines four high-profile, high-stakes, contemporary methods for evaluating teaching through learning gains. It offers a rationale and background for each one along with a discussion on supporting evidence and practical implications. The chapter authors provide these criteria for judging a teacher valuation system: * Is this method fair? * Will this method provide comprehensive data? * How does this method compare to other methods? * What are the positive and negative consequences of using this method? You′ll find out how well each method stacks up, how cumbersome or easy it is to use, and what kind of support or heel-dragging to expect from participants. Measuring teacher effectiveness through student learning can also result in: * Higher levels of instruction * Important data for school and program evaluation * A model for continuous school improvement * A more accurate picture of what (and how) students are learning If you′re interested in the future of teacher assessment, or if you′re ready to make changes in the way your school or district assesses its teachers, you need to read this book.