Investigating Teacher Quality By: David Hernandez Doreece Taylor Cinthya Felix Cyndi Bendezu Moises Castillo

President Bush Guarantees that “No Child is Left Behind.” 2001 States and districts more flexible in improving the skills of their teachers $3 billion budget for alternative certification, teacher testing, bonuses,etc. A highly qualified teacher in every classroom by the end of the 2005-2006 school year

What traditionally defines a quality teacher?

Startling Statistics 14% of California’s public school teachers had not obtained any type of credential in 2001 12% of new teachers lack formal training One-third do not hold degrees in the field(s) they teach 4 out 5 are not fully prepared to teach

Problems With Current Indicators Only measure a person’s past Cannot measure a person’s characteristics or actions Student’s opinions are not considered They interact with a teacher more than anyone else They are the only ones affected They are the experts

Research Question What data can students provide to evaluate teacher quality in Los Angeles schools?

Methodology Initial Definitions--10 teacher qualities from last year’s seminar Clarifying questions

Focus Groups

Surveys

Interviews 1 on 1 with students Counselor Principal Lawyers Politicians

Substantive Analysis Qualities used to evaluate a teacher’s qualifications Student’s quotes from interviews

Creativity In what ways are your teachers creative? Students defined creativity as imagination. Examples: “They let us do projects and…and fun stuff” (6th student).

Respect Do you feel that you can ask your teachers for help? Students defined respect as the ability of a teacher to listen and value their thoughts and opinions. Example: “….If I asked her something she wouldn’t answer” (7th grade student)

Tolerance When you make suggestions, how does your teacher respond? Tolerance was defined as the ability that teachers’ posses to accept, value, and be open to students’ opinions. “…teachers should try{suggestions} it and if doesn’t work, O.K.”(6th student)

Discipline How do teachers handle students who exhibit bad behavior? We defined discipline as a measure a teacher takes to evade or stop a student’s disruptive behavior. “They take them to room 5 or they suspend them.”( 7th grade student)

Passion Give three examples of qualities a passionate teacher should have? A passionate teacher is enthusiastic, dedicated, helpful and caring towards their students’ education. My teachers are “…like my second parents and I can talk to and trust them.” (8th grade student)

Female-Male Comparison Survey Results Survey Data Showed that the average scores for males was higher than for females.

Analysis of the Process

What did we use Notes Audio tape recorders Video recorders Student Accountability Report Card

Interviewing Establishing trust Developing non-bias questions Explaining questions Follow up questions Adapting questions for appropriate age group

Focus Groups West High School South High School South East Middle School Downtown Youth Center

Organizing Information Coding/Pattern Development Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data Determine what information is valuable

Advice for future Researchers Identify the problem Be aware of the situation Have outside knowledge about the subject Be organized Know the order of who does what, etc. Develop questions that are understandable Make the student interviewee feel comfortable Must be dedicated, patient, kind and friendly Be open to their opinions and ideas

Politics of Implementation

What Can Students Do... Talk to people Research Organize Opposition Other students, teachers, principals, etc. Research Educate themselves and others Organize Form student groups and alliances Opposition

Open Space A safe place where people can express concerns, opinions and ideas about the educational system A place where problems are acknowledged, dialogue revolves around solutions, and people learn from each other.

How can the community access information? Students and parents have the right to receive accurate information about: Teacher credentials and experience Teacher access to resources Student-Teacher relationships Methods of teaching and discipline