Power Swings: From Authoritarian to Collaborative Teaching Assessments

Abstract

This article, aimed at both the observer and the observed, presents the need for compassionate collaborative assessment strategies. By building rapport between teachers and observers, assessments are viewed positively and genuine changes in teaching can occur. Compassionate observations also help teachers to meet standards while inspiring them to excel in their profession. As the approach discussed in this article involves the assessor and the assessed, K-12 teachers, ESL instructors in IEPs, and administrator/assessors working with ESL teachers will benefit from reading this article. Part One offers a theoretical framework by examining the philosophical issues of vision and ethics as foundations for establishing an inspirational environment that enhances expertise and collaboration between supervisors, teachers, and their peers. Part Two describes ways in which expertise and collaboration can be nurtured among educators. Part Three explains how vision, ethics, expertise, and collaboration apply holistically to collaborative teacher assessment. We offer an assessment example to highlight our method.