Students Grading Teachers: Is it a Good Thing?

By Cirrelia Thaxton

Have you ever imagined what it would be like for students to be able to grade their teachers? How would this practice affect teacher quality?

Perhaps, this is an issue that must come to the forefront of K-12 public education in the new Millennium. Many school districts have already adopted programs that reflect this objective. Schools in Memphis, Tennessee, not only have principals evaluate instruction, but they also allow students to comment on teacher performance, similar to the way college students do at the end of a semester. This says a lot in terms of giving students of all races and creeds the chance to speak out. As a result, teachersare more apt to improve their teaching methods and strengthen their relationships with diverse communities of our children.

Sample questions given to students include: