Another plug for measuring teachers

It might be hard to tell from the media coverage, especially in Florida, but the idea that teachers should be rated based on student test scores is not a right-wing plot. There are independent groups, non-partisan groups, bipartisan groups and yes, even lefty groups who think the notion has merit (like the Brookings Institution, see here; the Center for American Progress, see here; and the Carnegie Corp., see here). The latest example: The bipartisan No Child Left Behind Commission, which issued this policy brief yesterday in furthering its arguments that the federal law should change how it defines a highly qualified teacher. Testing data "should not be the sole determinant in making teacher quality decisions," the commission said, "but they must - along with evaluations conducted by principals and peer review panels - be a substantial part of the equation."

To be sure, measuring teacher quality has its pitfalls, as many supporters readily admit. And who knows? Maybe the test-making and data-crunching tools needed to do it fairly and sensibly aren't in hand yet. But it seems dishonest (doesn't it?) for critics to attempt to dismiss the idea as partisan or ideologically driven. What do you think? If the idea is so lame-brained, why have thoughtful people from the left, the right and the center all moved towards the same conclusion?

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Comments

[Doofus]

Um ok. Johnny comes to school an average of 2~3 days per week. Johnny can't be troubled to do homework. Or class work for that matter. Johnny fails as a result of lack of effort. Johnny's teacher gets penalized? Johnny's principal comes down on Johnny's teacher because of Johnny's failure. Johnny's mom never returns phone calls or emails, until the last week of the semester- by then way too late. What's the solution? Johnny's mommy sues the school, county, teacher, etc.
Come on, use common sense. The kids know who the good teachers are- The principals might see their teachers in action 1 or 2 times per year depending on the size of the school. There is no formula to put on paper for this. You CAN'T quantify everything.

[BFE]

Well Ron,
Lets just get to the point here this is all about the 50% graduation rate of minorities isn't it?? Of course its the overpaid teachers fault if a student fails a class.. Right Ron??
We should just give everyone an "A" because we don't want to hurt feelings.

[Mrs. Gecan]

Thank you for the articulate yet distanced summary of the system that evalutes teachers. Most educators would not seriously assess you, the reporter, on the limited data, based mainly on opinion. Many FCAT responses require the student to extend opinions based on detailed facts. I believe regular visits to the FCAT Explorer site may enhance your reporting abilities.

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