2.  SPOT scores should, whenever possible, be viewed in the context of the immediately preceding five semesters.  Comparisons should be general and should not ascribe meaning to the precision with which means are reported.  (For example, a mean of 4.22 on Question 16 for a certain course might properly be described as lying in the second highest quintile of UNCW Question 16 scores, but should not be viewed as different from a score of, say, 4.18.)

3.  The receipt of a Q16 section mean in the lowest quintile is not necessarily an indication of poor teaching.  Only 2.6% of student responses campus-wide to Question 16 are "poor", and if every student were to answer "average" to Question 16, the mean (3.00) would lie in the lowest quintile.  However, receipt of Question 16 means in the lowest quintile over a period of several semesters may indicate an opportunity for improvement.  Examination of results of other SPOT items, consultation with the department chairperson, and peer evaluations may reveal ways to improve student perception of an individual's teaching.

Taken from Faculty Handbook, Appendix J