The Education Department is clearly interested in measuring teacher effectiveness and creating systems to provide for professional development. Race to the Top funds have been earmarked for this purpose.
The Teacher Beat blog reports on some provisions that will impact teachers, unions, and educational organizations. For example, states that have data firewalls preventing access to student-achievement information may not be eligible for these particular funds. If a state receives funds, it must commit to using the achievement data to help determine what kind of teacher training is most effective. The state must also use some of the funds for professional development for teachers. While union officials want to know a little more about this part of Race to the Top before they commit to it, applicants must state that they have union approval for their participation.
I wonder how teachers feel about this. Do you perceive it as an opportunity or something detrimental?
The Teacher Beat article and the comments it generated make very interesting food for thought. Thanks for bringing them up for comment on your blog. I tend to agree with those who think that tying funding to teachers' performance based on student achievement data is problematic at best.
As a reading/speech/language instructor at a rural primary school for several years, as well as a parent of two children in the school system, I have observed and experienced first-hand some of the many factors that influence student learning and achievement. When I look at the data that represents student achievement (whether for an individual student or the whole class or school), as an educator (and a parent) I find that I have more questions than answers!
That said, I would like to know whether it's possible to get in touch with you, Bob, by phone or email. I wanted to talk with you about working in educational publishing.
I'm a huge fan of Reading A-Z.com, having used it extensively with my students. Before I started working in reading/speech/language instruction, I had a previous career in publishing and communications. Now I am hoping to join my two passions in a new way and wondering how to begin. Would you be willing to talk with me?
Sincerely,
Lisa Warren
warrens3.madison@gmail.com