Reactions to the formative evaluation policy of Horizon School Division by former County of Warner educators
Date
1997
Authors
Terava, Leo
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1997
Abstract
With amalgamation of school districts in 1994, the southern part of the former County of Warner
School Division joined with the Taber School Division to form the Horizon School Division.
Policies from the two divisions were combined through the work of a policy committee.
One of the most significant policies was the Horizon School Division Formative Evaluation
Policy. This policy marked a dramatic change for those educators from the old County of
Warner. Evaluation had been often feared and seen as punitive.
This study examined the reactions of 11 former County of Warner educators to the new policy.
Interviews were conducted and the results analyzed, both by examining specific questions and by
examining themes that arose across the questions.
The themes that arose were as follows:
1. There is still much fear amongst teachers regarding evaluation. The Horizon Formative
Evaluation Policy has done much to lessen that fear.
2. Teachers are dissatisfied with incomplete or insufficient evaluation.
3. The policy promotes the treatment of teachers as professionals. Teachers are able to
choose areas of perceived need and tend to focus on their students.
4. Teachers and administrators have concerns that not all involved with the policy will
take it seriously and fulfil its expectations with appropriate effort. 5. Development of trust between teachers and administrators and amongst teachers
themselves is essential for the policy to succeed.
6. Teachers appreciate that the policy allows the individual teacher to focus on his or her
whole person and not just on their classroom situation.
The key issue involved for the policy to succeed is the development and maintenence of
trust amongst the educators using the policy. New administrators and teachers must be trained
effectively in the use of the policy.
The Horizon Formative Evaluation Policy has been received favorably for the most part by
former County of Warner educators. With continued development of the necessary trust, it is
expected that the policy will be a successful one.
Description
v, 105 leaves ; 28 cm. --
Keywords
Horizon School Division, No. 67 , Teachers -- Rating of -- Alberta -- Taber Region