Degree Date

6-2017

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ed.D. Doctor of Education

Academic Discipline

Reading and Language

First Advisor

Sophie Degener

Second Advisor

Shani Beth-Halachmy

Third Advisor

Donna Ogle

Abstract

This study utilizes a mixed-methods methodology to examine how a teacher evaluation system is influencing the instructional practices of bilingual teachers in a large urban district. An on-line survey was administered to examine the bilingual teachers’ perceptions of the evaluation system. A focus group of bilingual teachers was later conducted to further investigate the data gathered through the survey. The combined results of this study’s findings show that the bilingual teachers believe that the evaluation system is making a positive difference in improving their instructional practices, particularly in the areas of Planning and Preparation and Questioning. The study also revealed that there are some challenges associated with the evaluation system, namely its lack of specific reference to bilingual education and the need for more focused professional development in the areas of best teaching practices for English Language Learners, to help both bilingual teachers and administrators better serve this student population.

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