Amy Driscoll

Primary grade student reports for teacher evaluation

The improvement of teacher evaluation is an important theme in current public school reform efforts. One change, suggested by a number of researchers, is to gather more lines of evidence or perspectives of teacher performance for decision making. Student views, commonly used in higher education, are advocated as one data source about teacher quality. Although it is clear that students of all ages can provide some perspective on teacher performance, substantial questions remain about using the views of young pupils.The purpose of this study was to empirically examine a sample of student reports of teacher performance from kindergarten through second grade. The analysis used procedures developed for student rating forms in higher education. The objective was to advance understanding and practice about effective teacher evaluation, specifically in the use of pupil report data.

Evaluating computer technology innovation in the schools: The need for a new framework

Abstract The authors call for and describe a new framework for evaluating computer technology innovation in the schools. The framework draws on theory and research about student learning correlates, research on innovations, technology research, and new evaluation approaches. Features of a new formative evaluation framework are identified, and an application of the framework is described—one used to evaluate a technology innovation in two K-8 schools largely serving disadvantaged, minority youngsters. Examples of framework features are descriptive designs with longer time frames, analyses of subgroups, inclusion of critical contextual variables, use of multiple data sources and methods, and attention to ethical issues.

Computers in urban elementary schools: a multi-dimensional report

AbstractA research team looked at two private urban elementary schools that had pilot micro-computer projects. They collected information that was descriptive and highly field-based. Their report includes findings from a written faculty staff survey, teacher interviews, data on student use of the computer, student surveys, classroom observations, student interviews, parent interviews, and interviews with principals. They found enthusiasm for innovation to be high and offer suggestions on how to implement new technology in inner-city settings.