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

3. 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 school year

4. What traditionally defines a quality teacher?

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

9. Focus Groups

10. Surveys

11. Interviews 1 on 1 with students Counselor Principal Lawyers
Politicians

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

13. 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).

14. 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)

15. 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)

16. 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)

17. 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)

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

19. Analysis of the Process

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

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

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

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

24. 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

25. Politics of Implementation

26. 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

27. 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.

28. 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