New Teacher Evaluation System Goes Into Effect
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014 -- 10:16 AM
Today is the first day school for many students in public schools in Wisconsin, and this year brings some changes, including a new teacher evaluation system that goes into effect statewide and new standardized tests will be used in the spring.Wisconsin Public Radio reports the state's new teacher evaluation system has been piloted at many school districts around Wisconsin for last few years, but this school year, it goes statewide.
While the practice of teacher evaluation isn't new, the new system will bring uniformity to the process. Teachers will be rated on their practice and on student outcomes, each of which will count as 50 percent.
Betsy Kippers, the president of the statewide teachers union, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, said teachers generally support the system although some are nervous.
Some teachers worry that districts might use those performance reviews to make high-stakes decisions that could involve pay or punishment.
State Superintendent Tony Evers said that the new Educator Effectiveness System isn't meant to be used punitively. He said neither are the results of the new standardized tests that will replace the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WCKE) this year.
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