Faculty Evaluations: Tenured, Tenure-Track, and Associate Kerry Mayer, New Faculty Mentoring Coordinator

Frequency of Evaluations is Mandated by State Education Code From Ed. Code Section: 87663.a “Contract employees (untenured) shall be evaluated at least once in each academic year. Regular employees (tenured) shall be evaluated at least once in every three academic years. Temporary employees (associate faculty) shall be evaluated within the first year of employment. Thereafter, evaluation shall be at least once every six regular semesters…”

Sound Principles for Evaluation Processes From the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges’ White Paper, 2013 Make evaluations meaningful and useful rather than an obligation or threat Faculty should play a central role in faculty evaluation Faculty evaluators should be trained in evaluation Connect faculty evaluations to the college’s general professional development program Include student input Include college and/or professional service

Purpose of Faculty Evaluations at CR From the CRFO Contract (CBA): “The central purpose of evaluation is the continued improvement of the educational process. An effective faculty evaluation process is critical to ensure continued educational excellence at the Redwoods Community College District. Faculty, students, and administrators all share the responsibility for the evaluation process, seeing that it is thorough, fair, relevant, consistent, and rigorous. The process should not only highlight, reaffirm, and commend faculty for positive contributions but also foster continued improvement in the delivery of instruction and related services. Where appropriate, specific recommendations for improvement should be indicated.”

Evaluation of Teaching/Service Area Four-pronged approach to evaluation – regardless of your tenure status or your status as a full- or part-time faculty member: Self-Evaluation Peer Evaluation Administrator Evaluation Student Evaluation

Performance Areas Evaluated for Pre-Tenured Faculty Members Teaching/Nonteaching Assignment Currency and depth of knowledge in your discipline Effective teaching/nonteaching performance Effective organization Development/assessment of Learning Outcomes Effective communication skills (written and oral) Sensitivity to student diversity and special needs

Performance Areas Evaluated for Pre-Tenured Faculty Members Responsibilities Additional to Primary Assignment Service and or creative activities College committees Professional service (research, committee work, etc.) Community service

Performance Areas Evaluated for Pre-Tenured Faculty Members Professional Conduct Values diversity of ideas on campus Demonstrates respect to students, staff, and colleagues Follows ethical standards of the profession

Tools Used In Pre-tenured Evaluations Course syllabi and other classroom or program materials Self-evaluation documents Classroom or workplace observations

Performance Areas Evaluated for Tenured & Associate Faculty Members Planning Evidence of advanced preparation Clear class session objectives Clear & meaningful instruction/activities

Performance Areas Evaluated for Tenured & Associate Faculty Members Communication Effective written and oral communication skills Demonstrates patience, fairness, & promptness in evaluating student work

Performance Areas Evaluated for Tenured & Associate Faculty Members Instruction Presents lessons/materials in an organized manner Effective use of class time Shows currency & depth of knowledge in the discipline Makes reasonable provisions for differences in ability, experience, physical disability, & cultural values Encourages student engagement Course materials are clear, complete, & appropriate

Performance Areas Evaluated for Tenured & Associate Faculty Members Interactive Techniques Encourages questions Listens attentively Responds effectively to questions/comments Encourages relevant student participation Encourages/guides critical thinking & analysis Displays flexibility & respect for the ideas of others

Performance Areas Evaluated for Tenured & Associate Faculty Members Student Relations Class atmosphere reflects mutual respect & regard Ascertains that students understand ideas before moving on Helpful when students have difficulty Demonstrates sensitivity to others’ needs & feelings Demonstrates effective classroom management

Performance Areas Evaluated for Tenured & Associate Faculty Members Professionalism & Professional Responsibilities Abides by District policies & procedures Demonstrates professionalism Fulfills additional responsibilities of a faculty member (schedule F1) Works cooperatively to develop/maintain a collegial atmosphere Meets operational clerical requirements (rosters, grades, etc.) Participates in SLO & PLO assessment Participates in professional growth activities

Who Can Evaluate Whom? Pre-Tenured Faculty Tenured Faculty Evaluated by administrator (or designee), tenured peers & students Tenured Faculty Associate Faculty Evaluated by administrator (or designee), tenured or pre-tenured peers & students

General Process of Peer Evaluation Consult with Evaluatee re: Best Observation Time Request Relevant Class or Program Materials Prepare for Observation Carefully read self-evaluation document & class or program materials Review assessment page for participation in SLO/PLO activity Attend all pre-evaluation meetings scheduled by administrator or designee\ Work with evaluatee to determine when to administer student evaluation forms

General Process of Peer Evaluation Observe Class Session/Non-instructional Activity Arrive a bit early Take good notes Stay the entire session Thank your peer for the opportunity to observe Write-up Observations Balance between areas of strength and areas for improvement Cite specific examples to support your assessment Provide possible strategies for improvement if appropriate

Questions & Comments…