The Kent School District is in the process of implementing a plan to incorporate teacher and principal evaluation formats in schools.
“It’s a big step forward, but one we’re taking with a great deal of partnership,” said Christ Loftis, executive director of communications for the school district.
In accordance with state guidelines, ongoing meetings will continue through May in hopes to have pilot schools implementing a new format within the next couple of years.
“We have to move thoughtfully and cautiously, but we have to move,” Loftis said.
Addressing the fact that student achievement is just one element to factor into evaluating teacher and principal performance, Loftis said all new measures will be based on three main criteria: fairness, accuracy and helpfulness to all involved.
“Trying to tie one kid’s test score and a teacher’s style (of teaching) – there’s just not a direct line there,” Loftis said.
In the Seattle School District, the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized tests are used, in part, to determine teacher performance based on the academic achievement of students, which has sparked recent protests and gained national attention.
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