tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post169303632120636878..comments2024-03-29T04:34:05.185-04:00Comments on CURMUDGUCATION: Evaluating EvaluationPeter Greenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16511193640285760299noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post-2248555243121246932015-08-09T23:00:20.454-04:002015-08-09T23:00:20.454-04:00This article has a lot of good thought. I don'...This article has a lot of good thought. I don't have a problem with good feedback. I am hesitant because I've had to many experiences with bad evaluation systems. Poorly designed state tests and administrators with personal agendas.<br /><br />I would love to have an evaluation system that was valid, and that I respected. Now I'm just happy when they leave me along and let me teach.Detankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04708585324454510284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post-22706485521733607332015-08-09T05:51:07.500-04:002015-08-09T05:51:07.500-04:00Our current evaluation system comes from a dysfunc...Our current evaluation system comes from a dysfunctional business model. Jack Welch as CEO of GE implemented the vitality curve model. It was a means of keeping workers on their toes by firing the lowest 10% ("action plan", anyone?) and rewarding the top 10% with bonuses (merit pay).<br /><br />Many large corporations used this model, most notably, Microsoft. However, they no longer use it.<br /><br />Employees hated it. It REDUCED collaboration. HR departments tended to hire the mediocre candidates. Would you hire someone who would exceed you on the curve? Those who sucker up to the bosses naturally stayed employed, while those who thought outside the box slid down the curve. <br /><br />Sucking up worked because all evaluations are inherently subjective.<br /><br />So, instead of our decision makers admitting that this model is flawed and produces mediocre results, they got the bright idea to run schools like a business. Race to the Top brought us the Common Core and so much more. It brought a vitality curve model of teacher evaluation.<br /><br />For more, Google Jack Welch vitality curve.<br /><br />Jackie Conradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381347712120872904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post-87692225166382676822015-08-09T01:15:08.806-04:002015-08-09T01:15:08.806-04:00Peter, I am a relative newbie to your (very much) ...Peter, I am a relative newbie to your (very much) mostly well considered musing, which is a welcome breath of fresh air. <br /><br />Much of the reform-dikheads' concerns ARE legit; however, they (and the disorganized resistance) ignore several of the basics. I am a long time physics teacher who used to teach a lot of chemistry, so my observations will be from my narrow POV.<br /><br />1) Our international competitors have high stakes testing. These occur somewhere between our 6th-8th grade. The students deemed 'non-academic' are shunted off at that point to other career tracks. <br />2) Compensatory public ed is really a US idea. We allow violent CONVICTED felons to attend school. I know. I was sucker punched by one. It cost me several thousand dollars to find out that Brandon Cook was found guilty of carrying a firearm as a juvenile onto Dent Middle School and then allowed to attend Spring Valley HS (Columbia SC). Until we are allowed to, yes, get rid of these types of individuals, like our international competitors do, there is no point in discussing improving public schools.<br />3) The American Chemical Society (ACS) developed a final exam for HS chem students which was well written, properly normed and realistic in scope. That test largely shaped what is taught as a somewhat standard HS college-prep chem course. Our competition does much the same...PROFESSIONALLY written exams which shape curriculum of the disciplines which are taught. Which leads to my next point...<br />4) There is really nothing wrong about 'teaching to the test' as long as that test is really good. The AP physics tests, the ACS test that I mentioned, the AP history tests (at least 'til now) are examples in this country. <br />5) US teachers spend more time in front of students than the teachers of nearly all the countries which are held up as examples which the US should emulate. THAT point should be brought up anytime one of the local political hacks mentions "Finland" or "Germany". Eliminating student criminals should be brought up if anyone mentions "Japan" or "China". fizzicks numbershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01913370100937432939noreply@blogger.com