Which kind of data is most effective for evaluating teacher performance scientifically?

Summative assessment scores of students provide a quantitative measure that is directly tied to student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness. This data typically reflects the extent to which students have achieved the learning goals set by the curriculum, making it a crucial component in evaluating a teacher's performance. High scores can suggest that a teacher has effectively conveyed the necessary content and engaged students successfully in the learning process.

In contrast, qualitative feedback from parent surveys, self-evaluations conducted by teachers, and peer observation reports may introduce biases or subjective viewpoints that can limit their reliability in a scientific evaluation context. While these methods can offer valuable insights into a teacher's approach and areas for improvement, they do not provide the same level of objective measurement as student assessment scores. Therefore, using summative assessment scores allows for a more standardized and measurable approach when assessing teacher performance, making it the most effective choice among the options.