The quality of teaching provided by instructors is a key factor contributing to success in student learning. While not the only one, it is so important that it should be taken into account when measuring school performance.
Teachers cannot and should not shirk their responsibility for the educational achievement of students. Unfortunately, some have been doing so for a long time, and that needs to change. Now there is a federal stimulus program that could mean $500 million for depleted school coffers when and only if changes are made and students’ academic achievement is taken into account when evaluating teachers’ performance.
California is on course to receive part of the $4.5 billion in federal funds from the Race to the Top program, created to promote school innovation. Less than a month ago, Governor Schwarzenegger put into effect a law lifting the ban on using test results to measure teacher performance. Several days ago, the State Senate passed SBx5 1, which relaxes rules for student transfers and authorizes the new measure of teacher performance.
Now it is up to the Assembly to pass a similar bill, but teachers' unions oppose this change, arguing that the process is rushed, that there are no guarantees that this will improve results, and that, in the end, this federal funding is a one-time deal.
We believe that state lawmakers should consider the deplorable state of education —graduating students who lack basic skills— and the severe impact of budget cuts on classrooms. This should be enough for them to set aside the special interests and cast a vote in favor of students and parents.
Student achievement should not be the only factor used to measure teacher performance, but it cannot be ignored as it has been until now. Today there are more reasons than ever to make a reasonable change in education, to establish accountability, and to secure federal funds.
The quality of teaching provided by instructors is a key factor contributing to success in student learning. While not the only one, it is so important that it should be taken into account when measuring school performance.
Teachers cannot and should not shirk their responsibility for the educational achievement of students. Unfortunately, some have been doing so for a long time, and that needs to change. Now there is a federal stimulus program that could mean $500 million for depleted school coffers when and only if changes are made and students’ academic achievement is taken into account when evaluating teachers’ performance.
California is on course to receive part of the $4.5 billion in federal funds from the Race to the Top program, created to promote school innovation. Less than a month ago, Governor Schwarzenegger put into effect a law lifting the ban on using test results to measure teacher performance. Several days ago, the State Senate passed SBx5 1, which relaxes rules for student transfers and authorizes the new measure of teacher performance.
Now it is up to the Assembly to pass a similar bill, but teachers' unions oppose this change, arguing that the process is rushed, that there are no guarantees that this will improve results, and that, in the end, this federal funding is a one-time deal.
We believe that state lawmakers should consider the deplorable state of education —graduating students who lack basic skills— and the severe impact of budget cuts on classrooms. This should be enough for them to set aside the special interests and cast a vote in favor of students and parents.
