The Teachers' Perception of the Usefulness of Principal Observation Feedback and Subsequent Follow-Up Through the Teacher Evaluation Process

For more than a decade, teacher accountability and teacher effectiveness as defined by student achievement have been the focus of the teacher evaluation process (Close et al., 2018; Danielson, 2007; Virginia Department of Education, [VDOE], 2011, 2015, 2021). Throughout the teacher evaluation process, principals observe teaching skills and gather instructional and assessment data to provide feedback and follow-up to teachers to improve instructional strategies that increase student achievement (VDOE, 2021). Specific and meaningful feedback can positively impact teacher confidence, reflection, and improved instructional practices (Blase and Blase, 2000). Uncertainty remains, however, in knowing precisely what feedback and follow-up motivates a teacher to adjust or change instruction for improved student learning (Hattie and Timperley, 2007; Khachatryan, 2015; Shute, 2008). The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe teacher perceptions regarding the usefulness of principal feedback and subsequent follow-up through the teacher evaluation process that resulted in implementing instructional changes in the classroom and increasing student achievement. Qualitative data were collected through one-to-one interviews conducted with eight teachers, four from each of two rural south central Virginia school districts. The data were coded using constant comparison analysis to determine common categories and themes related to principal observation feedback and teachers' perceptions of its usefulness to change instructional habits and increase student achievement. An analysis of the data collected revealed that teachers perceived principal feedback as it related to teacher evaluation to be useful when the feedback was timely, specific, and supportive; however, the usefulness did not necessarily extend to instructional changes resulting in changes in student achievement. Teachers also perceived that principal feedback addressed teacher strengths more often than teacher weaknesses. The data further revealed that teachers perceived that collaboration with colleagues was key to making changes in instructional practices that led to student achievement gains. While principal feedback is an important component of the teacher evaluation process, the data suggest that teacher collaboration also plays a vital role in a teacher's professional growth and students' success.