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What should I do to prepare now?
First, make sure you have a copy of
the evaluation form that will be used to evaluate you so that you know
what the evaluator will be observing.
Make special note of any items on the form
that would be difficult to observe in your work setting (i.e., rapport
with parents, absenteeism, attendance and involvement in faculty meetings,
etc.), and begin keeping a log of your activities in these areas.
In addition, be sure to check your local
school board policy manual and school handbook to familiarize yourself
with any specific guidelines your district may have on evaluation timelines,
post evaluation conferences, etc.
What should I do once I am evaluated?
Immediately following the evaluation-,
take a moment to record the following information:
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the date and time of the observation,
including its length;
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the name of the evaluator;
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the work observed;
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any unusual or disruptive student
reactions during the observation;
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any comments from the evaluator during
the observation;
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the condition of your classroom or
work area; and
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your reaction to the observation.
What is a post-evaluation conference?
This conference, which should occur
shortly after the observation, is a time for the evaluator to share
with you his/her appraisal. It should be objective, diagnostic, and
specific.
Here are some points to keep in mind
during the conference:
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Let the evaluator do the talking.
You take notes and respond to questions.
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Ask for clarification and elaboration
of the observation judgments. For example, ask "what did
you see that leads to your conclusion that my discipline techniques
are good/poor?"
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Bring your notes to the conference
for reference. This is particularly helpful if your view of the
facts differ from the evaluator's.
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Keep the focus of the conference
on what happened during the period observed and on the purposes
of evaluation (e.g. to promote professional excellence and to
improve work skills).
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Do not allow yourself to be put
in the position of agreeing with an evaluator's conclusion that
your performance is poor. Agree only that you are open to concrete
suggestions for ways to improve your performance.
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When the conference is completed,
be sure you have received a written copy of the evaluation form
and that your signature on it indicates that you have reviewed
and received the written material, not that you agree with it.
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Keep a good employment file of
your own, including all evaluations, your own log notes, licenses,
and other important records .
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If you have significant disagreements
with the evaluator's judgment of your performance it is appropriate
to tell the evaluator that you will prepare a written response
to the evaluation once you have had an opportunity to thoughtfully
review the evaluator's comments.
How should I respond to my evaluation?
Occasionally, an employee being evaluated
may honestly disagree with judgments made by an evaluator. While courtesy
and diplomacy are always in order, it is your right to rebut what you
feel are inaccurate or erroneous statements.
Here are some points to consider
about your rebuttal:
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Rebuttals should not be sarcastic
or accusative. Keep the overall tone of your rebuttal objective
and professional. Your focus should be to present your point of
view, not to personally discredit the evaluator.
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Make you comments as specific
as possible. Refer to objectives, measurable outcomes and techniques
as well as to those factors over which you may have no control
like class size, lack of supplies and materials, individual student
problems, inadequate space, etc.
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State your openness to improving
your skills. Request specific suggestions and an opportunity to
observe the evaluator demonstrate any new techniques he/she seeks
to have you incorporate into your job. Reaffirm your commitment
to being the best you can be.
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