Where do teachers stand on evaluations?
Teachers support an objective process for evaluations – a process designed to help all teachers do the best job possible of helping students learn.
School districts should conduct rigorous, comprehensive evaluations based on multiple measures of teacher effectiveness. Student test scores have a place in teacher evaluation – however, the fairest, best approach to evaluating teachers should also include principal observation and a focus on the subject knowledge, creativity and expertise that bring learning to life. Teachers should be evaluated according to detailed state standards for excellence, and teachers and administrators should work together to determine what measures of student achievement should be used in addition to state tests. Struggling teachers should receive coaching and additional training, with an expedited dismissal process if a teacher fails to improve. Most importantly, evaluations should be used to help all teachers continually improve.
These are the provisions supported by teachers and contained in the new teacher evaluation law now being implemented in school districts across New York state. It appropriately balances teacher accountability and professional development.