Evaluation and Identity: An Investigation of the Relationship between Indiana's New Evaluation Process and Teacher Identity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine teacher identity under the guidelines set forth regarding teacher evaluation in Senate Enrolled Act 1 in 2011, (eventually Public Law 90), which changed significant pieces of observation, feedback, salary, and how effectiveness was measured. This area focused specifically on the professional, personal, and situational factors, as they are widely identified as influential on the creation and revision of teacher identity. The locations chosen were three large metropolitan high schools of approximately 3,000 students, and each was located within a large, mid-western city. Each school utilizes a form of the RISE evaluation tool ("Evaluations", 2013), a state approved process that focuses on the Danielson model ("Framework", 2017) for instructional criteria and incorporates student achievement data in measuring teacher effectiveness. This study focused on English teachers, since their content area is one of the most strenuously tested. The scores on the state mandated testing in this content area, along with math, directly impacts measures of effectiveness on a building and district level. Previous research reveals that the creation and revision of identity is an ongoing process, starting from the first interaction with someone in the role of teacher and extending through the most recent exchange. As experiences, people, and objects interact with an individual, teachers either accept these exchanges as they align with the teacher's perception of self or they consider revision to their identity as a result. A shift in the factors impacted by PL 90 has the potential so create challenges to the identity of many teachers since it rearranged many of the fundamental elements of being considered an effective teacher, as well as disrupting the salary possibilities of the profession. It is important to understand the manner in which identities are being shaped and adjusted within this context, as there may be areas of interest for every stakeholder involved.