Staying focused on teacher evaluation means being aware of the newest trends. Using Danielson s Framework for Professional Practice, Colflesh explained some of most recent research in the field, citing experts like Thomas McGreal and Robert Garmston. Teacher evaluation is imbedded in the context of what the school expects the students to be able to do. Reciprocal learning emphasizes teacher evaluation as a participatory learning activity for both the principal and teachers. Principals and teachers work together or in teams to design professional development plans as alternatives to traditional evaluation.
Professional development is the heart of a school s teacher evaluation process.
The purpose of teacher evaluation should be to help teachers get better at what they do. The trend in teacher evaluation is toward more self-evaluation and for expanding a teacher s teaching repertoire. It is about creating a culture of professional learners. Good teacher evaluation is about building a school culture that values effective evaluation. A school community of professional learners is one of teachers and principal sharing common values, vision and ideals.