Why not parent evaluation of teachers and schools?

[Anonymous]

Just wondering: why don't we parents have the opportunity to provide feedback about our childrens' teachers, classes, principal and school?

I am impressed with all of the quantitative evaluations that MCSP provides on our children. We know how they are progressing through the year and can look at measurements of success etc. However, parents don't have an opportunity to provide feedback on how we feel about the teacher or principal's performance. I would think this would be valuable information for the schools and for other parents.

For ex., in our school, one teacher in one grade had what was generally acknowledged to be a terrible year (behavior issues, lack of classroom control, etc.). Why don't parents have an opportunity to comment on that in some formalized way (other than waging battle with teacher/principal). I would think an end-of-the-year form (like a comment card) might be a good idea. I think it would show that parents are, indeed, partners in the process rather than simply mute bystanders. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

MCPS does conduct parent surveys annually. they post the results online. Here's the link: http://sharedaccountability.mcpsmd.org/SurveyResults/content.php?

[Anonymous]

I don't think they pay attention to what parents say because we also had a terrible teacher. The parents got nowhere. We had a terrible principal too. MCPS knew how unethical and dishonest he was and yet they defended him.

[Anonymous]

Given the process that's been worked out with the unions, parents need to document their concerns about staff or principals to their next level supervisor - e.g., dept. head/AP for a teacher community supt. for a principal. That provides the data the school/central office needs to make a change. It must be in writing to be added to the file.

There are some great administrators in MoCo and also some awful ones. If parents have had any success organizing around an ineffective principal or assistant principal, please share.