Title: Are Student Surveys the Right Tools for Evaluating Teacher Performance?

Source: [Stanford University - Center for Education Policy Analysis]

Summary:

Vladimir Kogan's article examines the growing trend of using student surveys as an alternative tool for evaluating teacher and school performance in K-12 education. As standardized testing's limitations became evident, educators and policymakers turned to student surveys, believing they could provide valuable insights into teaching effectiveness.

Key Points:

1. Shift in Evaluation Tools: In response to the shortcomings of high-stakes testing, many school districts have embraced student surveys as a means of assessing teacher performance. This shift reflects a consensus among policymakers and educators that surveys offer a more comprehensive understanding of teaching quality.

2. Challenges and Risks: While student surveys hold promise, there are significant challenges and risks associated with their use in teacher evaluations. The article highlights concerns about the validity of survey-based measurements, potential unintended consequences, and the risk of "teaching to the survey" rather than improving instructional quality.

3. Lessons from Other Fields: Kogan draws parallels between the use of student surveys in education and similar practices in higher education and medicine. He cautions against the potential for gaming behaviors, bias, and unintended consequences observed in these fields.

4. Need for Caution: Despite the enthusiasm for student surveys, Kogan advocates for a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of validating survey-based measurements and considering potential pitfalls before incorporating them into accountability systems or policy decisions.

Conclusion:

While student surveys offer a promising alternative to traditional methods of evaluating teacher performance, Vladimir Kogan's article underscores the need for caution. Educators and policymakers must carefully assess the validity of survey-based measurements and consider the potential risks and unintended consequences before fully embracing them as a tool for accountability and policy-making in education.

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This summary was created with the assistance of AI software.