Core Values

Evaluations we use with our students reflect common underlying values as discussed in this blog, however, a clear distinction must be made between values and opinions. Dictionary.com’s definition of the term values is “estimated or assigned worth”. Opinion is defined as “a belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof”. Evaluations, after all, are estimations of assigned worth. A well defined, objective driven learning environment provides necessary structure and continuity for students as well as teachers. Requiring teachers to create a standards based classroom has merit. When standards were developed, educators started by asking themselves what students needed to know. Educators, much like architects, have to start with an idea of an end product, then analyze steps necessary for completion of the project. The blueprint for student achievement begins and ends with reliable and valid assessment of teacher performance and student performance. As teachers, we all value and respect individuality among our students. We value the concept of providing alternative and varied methods of assessment based on learning styles. The majority of teachers also value the concept of keeping an open mind when assessing our own fallibility when creating evaluation methods. Keeping an open, yet analytical, mind when considering student commentary on evaluation methods, may require putting aside preconceived ideas of the teacher always being right. Evaluations we use with our students should reflect core values of creating fair, accurate, and varied assessment of individual students.