The Evaluation of My PAEMST Application: My Grades

I received an email note from the good people at the PAEMST program alerting me to the availability of the "grades" earned by my 2011 PAEMST application.

At this point, the pressure is off: I already achieved recognition as a national finalist; I am a PAEMST Awardee! But, of course, there is the curiosity. How are you not going to look at the assessment given by the evaluators?

Each section ("dimension") of the application was given a mark from a four-point scale. 

Excellent (4) - The applicant demonstrated outstanding knowledge, skills or performance with no errors or limitations.
Very Good (3) - The applicant demonstrated strong knowledge, skills or performance with no significant errors or limitations.
Good (2) - The applicant demonstrated limited knowledge, skills or performance with some errors or limitations.
Fair (1) - The applicant demonstrated limited knowledge, skills or performance with significant errors or limitations.

Three evaluators reviewed the application. The evaluators were part of the National Selection Committee (NSC) convened by the National Science Foundation. After each NSC evaluator gives his or her review, they meet to compare notes and develop a final, panel score.

My numerical scores:

Dimension 1: Mastery of their content appropriate for the grade level taught
Panel: Excellent (4) - NSC #1: Very Good (3) - NSC #2: Excellent (4) - NSC #3: Very Good (3)

Dimension 2: Use of instructional methods and strategies that are appropriate for the students in the class and that support student learning
Panel: Very Good (3) - NSC #1: Very Good (3) - NSC #2: Very Good (3) - NSC #3: Very Good (3)

Dimension 3: Effective use of student assessments to evaluate, monitor, and improve student learning
Panel: Very Good (3) - NSC #1: Very Good (3) - NSC #2: Excellent (4) - NSC #3: Very Good (3)

Dimension 4: Reflective practice and life-long learning to improve teaching and student learning
Panel: Excellent (4) - NSC #1: Very Good (3) - NSC #2: Excellent (4) - NSC #3: Very Good (3)

Dimension 5: Leadership in education outside the classroom
Panel: Excellent (4) - NSC #1: Excellent (4) - NSC #2: Excellent (4) - NSC #3: Excellent (4)

These scores must have 

1. qualified me as a PAEMST-worthy national finalist, and

2. distinguished me from my fellow California science candidates.

Outscoring one's fellow state candidates is not enough to be named as an awardee. Some states went without awardees in mathematics or in science. One state had no PAEMST awardees in 2011.

The complete report—with comments—is available as a PDF here:

Introduction to the PAEMST Evaluation document

Dean Baird's PAEMST Application Evaluation

For reference, my original application materials are here:
Dean Baird's Videotaped Lesson: "Why the Sky is Blue"

Dean Baird's Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching (with Supplements)

Dean Baird's PAEMST Résumé

Dean Baird's Letters of Recommendation