Evaluation of the Instructional Program. A Position Paper.

This position paper is designed to aid elementary school principals in the evaluation of instructional programs. Arguments are based on the premises that (1) evaluation should be unique for each teacher, (2) teachers should be actively involved in evaluation, (3) evaluation should be cooperative and supportive in nature, (4) the ultimate objective of evaluation is improved instruction and not a rating of teachers, and (5) evaluative attempts should not become preoccupied with evaluation of teachers at the expense of teaching. Goals proposed for evaluation include individual improvement of teachers and teaching, assessment of strengths and weaknesses of the staff and educational program, analysis of problem areas needing attention, and prescription of individual and group activities. Essential elements in the evaluation of teachers and the evaluation of teaching are presented in separate columns. A bibliography lists 27 selections on evaluation. (TT)