The History of Holistic Teaching Evaluation
In 2019, in response to discussions and observations about the current teaching evaluation practices, a joint Senate-Administration Workgroup on Holistic Teaching Evaluation was formed. The overarching goal for this workgroup was to develop a holistic, transparent, and flexible evaluation process, and to provide the tools and support needed for faculty and CAP reviewers to have more effective evaluations.
The 2019 workgroup produced a report (PDF) that recommended the following:
- Separate formative assessment from summative evaluation of teaching
- Change the structure of the (undergraduate) student feedback forms (CAPEs).
- Evaluate teaching holistically based on “a teaching portfolio, an instructor’s self-reflection, and the chair’s summary.”
In 2020 a second senate and administration group- the Holistic Teaching Evaluation Implementation Task Force, was charged with developing a plan to implement the first workgroup's recommendations. Their report defined the following (PDF):
- The structure of the Teaching Portfolio and Teaching Statement
- A new structure for student feedback
- A method for evaluating teaching holistically
- An implementation plan is overseen by a new Holistic Teaching Review Oversight Committee
In 2022, a standing committee- the Holistic Teaching Oversight Committee, was formed to communicate and oversee the campus transition to holistic teaching evaluation
Timeline for Rollout
- Academic Year 2022-23:
- Review of teaching in 2022-2023 files remains unchanged;
- Transition from CAPEs to a revised student feedback mechanism for undergraduate courses;
- Develop resources to help faculty create teaching portfolios and to help departments, schools and CAP evaluate them;
- Academic year 2023-24:
- Initial holistic teaching and mentoring evaluation pilot (~10 participants)
- Revise holistic teaching evaluation preparation instructions and review instructions.
- Transition IA evaluations and grad course evaluations to SET
- Academic year 2024-25:
- Expanded holistic teaching and mentoring evaluation pilot and continued materials revision;
- Continued update to SET forms at all levels;
- Academic year 2025-26:
- Final Holistic Teaching and Mentoring Review pilot year. Full departments opt in.
- Academic year 2026-27:
- Holistic teaching evaluation reaches steady-state