A key segment of classroom success is the quality of the material being taught. An effective evaluation will rate how well the days' lessons relate to one another -- namely, how effectively the instructor relates the current lesson to previous and future learning. Another important category of curriculum assessment is gauging the relevancy of the topic being instructed in relation to the grade or course level. For example, evaluators can examine whether the material too simple for the students' skill level. A study by Danielson Group notes that an assessment of curriculum should assess whether the lessons are suitable for a diverse classroom.
In any teaching program, the instructor has significant responsibilities toward her students. A written evaluation can assess how effectively the instructor accommodates different learning styles, her level of classroom control, the efficiency with which she uses class time, her flexibility in relation to sudden changes or surprises and how diverse her teaching strategies are. For example, a strong teacher might incorporate a lecture, group work assignments and use of classroom technology in a single day's lesson. The attitude, enthusiasm, patience and energy of the teacher are also important qualifications to assess in an evaluation.
All teaching programs have been created to serve students' educational needs. Therefore, all proper evaluations should consider the students in their analyses. Aspects to consider include the students' level of engagement and participation in the classroom, comprehension of material, exam scores and final grades, feedback and growth over time. The latter can be assessed through grades, parent feedback and student-filled evaluations. The degree of students' preparedness, confidence and willingness to ask questions is also a telling indicator of the instructor's performance and classroom management skills.
Use a set rubric to score distinct aspects of the program, such as the teacher's clarity in communicating information, knowledge of the concepts being taught, her rapport with the students, preparedness of lesson plans and ability to address students' questions and concerns. Rubrics provide a specific structure with which you can identify and evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses, given the varying needs and expectations in every classroom. The University of Kansas notes that a the framework for evaluation should ask the question: "How will we use what we learn to become more effective?" Rubrics can be provided to teachers ahead of time so that they know what is expected of them, which can enrich their teaching and classroom management skills.