THE WATER COOLER FROM FACEBOOK.COM/STATESMAN
As reported by the American-Statesman’s Melissa B. Taboada, the Austin school district is considering changes to its formula for evaluating teachers. Under the proposed appraisal system, a teacher’s annual review would be based 10 percent on standardized test scores, 15 percent on classroom goals, 50 percent on instructional practice and 25 percent on professional growth and responsibilities.
Enríque Granados: I think the Texas Legislature should have a similar law for our elected officials based on the performance of kids and teachers whose lives would be greatly affected.
Noble B. Smith Jr.: How about we give them a 10 percent raise?
Jayson Langman: The best analogy I’ve ever heard about tying teacher evaluations to test scores is rating the effectiveness of dentists on whether their patients floss or not.
Karen Kocurek Lindner: Let’s just blame teachers for poverty too. If you know anything about testing, you know poor students don’t perform as well on standardized tests.
Suzanne Ragan: That will discourage all teachers from working with special-education students.
Jesse Adams: Austin, get ready to lose your teachers.
Jennifer Gonzalez: I am really tired of being evaluated.
Kevin Wilson: What will the parents’ annual review be based on?
Lori Pearce: Just another way to validate standardized testing.
Texas Parents Opt Out of State Tests: Ten percent is still too high. How about zero?