Buyers Beware: Shopping for Classroom Observation Systems.
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| Title: | Buyers Beware: Shopping for Classroom Observation Systems. |
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| Authors: | BEALL, GRACE L. ghaverst@asu.edu, AMREIN-BEARDSLEY, AUDREY1, GROSS, CATHERINE M. |
| Source: | School Administrator. May2026, Vol. 83 Issue 5, p30-33. 4p. 2 Color Photographs. |
| Subject Terms: | *Teacher evaluation, *Legal liability, *Observation (Educational method), *Test validity, *Educational standards, Statistical bias, Fairness, Statistical reliability |
| Abstract: | The article focuses on guiding school district leaders in selecting reliable and valid classroom observation systems for teacher evaluation, emphasizing the high stakes involved in these decisions. It highlights the legal risks districts face when using observation systems lacking evidence of reliability, validity, fairness, and freedom from bias, citing lawsuits in Florida, Houston, and New Mexico as examples. The article references the 2014 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which outline key measurement principles—reliability, validity, bias, fairness, and consequences—that should inform the evaluation and adoption of observation tools. It advises district leaders to critically assess evidence supporting observation systems’ claims, scrutinize potential biases, and consider the consequences of their use to ensure fair and defensible personnel decisions. [Extracted from the article] |
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| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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| Abstract: | The article focuses on guiding school district leaders in selecting reliable and valid classroom observation systems for teacher evaluation, emphasizing the high stakes involved in these decisions. It highlights the legal risks districts face when using observation systems lacking evidence of reliability, validity, fairness, and freedom from bias, citing lawsuits in Florida, Houston, and New Mexico as examples. The article references the 2014 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which outline key measurement principles—reliability, validity, bias, fairness, and consequences—that should inform the evaluation and adoption of observation tools. It advises district leaders to critically assess evidence supporting observation systems’ claims, scrutinize potential biases, and consider the consequences of their use to ensure fair and defensible personnel decisions. [Extracted from the article] |
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| ISSN: | 00366439 |
