| This case study examined the impact the current teacher evaluation process had on teacher practice at a high-achieving urban high school. This study described the factors that influenced teachers' professional growth and identified elements that contributed to effective teacher practice. This study also examined the school district's policy and strategy for carrying out teacher evaluation and the manner in which this policy affected school level efforts in implementing the evaluation process. A secondary school satisfying an established set of criteria was the subject of this case study.;This study used a mixed-method approach. A quantitative survey of 52 questions centered on areas that addressed the study's research questions was instrumental in garnering teacher perceptions about their teaching practice, the evaluation process, and other factors affecting the school's efforts. Two types of statistical analyses were performed, descriptive analysis, measuring the frequencies of teacher responses, and reliability coefficient analysis, measuring consistency and reliability of the survey results. Qualitative methods dominated the study; instruments representative of the case study approach-interviews, observations, and document review-were utilized.;Findings implied that the current teacher evaluation process as it is implemented in California high schools is in need of change in order to generate a more significant impact on improving teacher practice to the degree the law intended. Findings strongly supported the concept that quality professional development and a healthy school culture are catalysts for improving classroom instruction and student learning.;It is recommended that the state adopt the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) law as a model for the teacher evaluation process, and direct school boards and their collective bargaining units to develop a multi-track system that evaluates teachers according to years of service and classroom performance. Personal growth and professional development should be a major component of this new teacher evaluation process.;Finally, schools should focus on building a healthy, nurturing school culture in an open school climate that promotes learning for students and all stakeholders in the school community. |
