Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore what abilities are required for a principal to be an
effective evaluator of classroom teachers, and what skills, knowledge, and training is required to
reach this level of competency. The study was narrowed and was designed to answer the
following questions: (a) What requisite knowledge of the content standards must a principal have
to effectively evaluate classroom teachers? (b) Would using the California Standards for the
Teaching Profession (CSTP) be an effective evaluation tool and protocol for evaluating
classroom teachers, (c) What strategies can be used by a principal to evaluate classroom
teachers? and (d) What are the key elements—if any—of an effective professional development
program that can assist a principal to effectively evaluate classroom teachers? This study
implemented a mixed-methods approach, in which 30 high school principals in Southern
California completed a survey, and five of the principals also agreed to take part in a semi-
structured interview. Through the process of triangulation, the findings indicate that the
principals do not believe they need to be content specialists to effectively evaluate their
classroom teachers, that having a basic knowledge of the standards is sufficient. The principals
identified that the use of a standards-based teacher evaluation protocol was an effective system
because it is aligned with the standards for the teaching profession. The principals identified the
most effective strategies for improving teacher performance as increasing the frequency of
classroom walk-throughs, providing accurate and timely feedback, and using teacher reflection
during post-observation conferences. To improve the cognitive skills of the principals in the area
of teacher evaluation, districts need to provide ongoing professional development that is directed
toward the evaluation process used by the school district.