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Permalink Reply by Linda J. Tillinghast on August 24, 2011 at 11:06pm

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The well researched theories of motivation have been on my mind during the time NYS embarked on the re-vamping of teacher and principal evaluations (e.g. APPR).  Above is a table that demonstrates quite visually Herzberg's theory of motivation factors.  Undoubtedly the new APPR will have a dramatic effect on "how the business of school is run."  Teachers will be concentrating on test scores and not diagnostic, enthusiastic, purposeful instruction.  In addition, "supervision" is likely to be greatly affected in the sense that principals will not be supportive of teachers in need of and willing of support to help children, but more focused on getting rid of "dead weight" and getting in people who can "just do the job" whatever that now turns out to be.  These factors will no doubt lead to tense "working conditions" and a lack of trust between faculty and administration, another negative factor when attempting to motivate employees.

 

I mean this as no disrespect, but I am left to wonder how long it has been since the lawmakers and governor have had a course in motivation theory.  After all, if this new evaluation system is meant to motivate educators to raise to new heights and do a better job, it seems that with careful examination, through the lens of research-based personal motivation theories, it is destined to have the exact opposite effect. 

 

Regards,

Linda Tillinghast

 

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