$6M Michigan teacher evaluation program on track for fall but awaiting approval
Leaders with the State Commission on Educator Effectiveness said Michigan teachers unions are on board with the idea of an evaluation pilot program, but lawmakers may need some convincing to OK the $6 million necessary for the first year of implementation, according to an article on MLive.com.
The article states the commission, which was developed by Gov. Rick Snyder to look at teacher tenure reform, is on track to launch the pilot program in the fall and is currently trying to develop ways to help struggling teachers.
The pilot would include three evaluation programs throughout 12 districts, with a mix of urban, suburban, rural and charter schools, the article said.
The Michigan Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, two of the largest teachers unions, are supportive of the evaluation effort, according to MLive.
Read the complete story about the progress of the commission, chaired by University of Michigan School of Education Dean Deborah Loewenberg Ball, here.
Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
greg, too
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
Why the deuce are we spending 6 million dollars we do not have to try and fire teachers? As other have said before, this will force teachers to stop teaching their students how to think and they will now just teach them how to take state standardized tests. I have taught the first wave of No Child Left Behind in college and it isn't pretty. They can pass a test without a problem if you tell them everything that is going to be on it, drill them on it some more, and then give them some extra credit too. Are these the future leaders we want? Sure, our test scores will boom....and our children will be morons.
sh1
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
Andy, the elementaries use the Everyday Math, History Alive, and Science Companion curricula. All are based on constructivist learning and use only occasional worksheets. If the lessons you saw were otherwise, then perhaps those teachers aren't using the curriculum in the way it's intended.
jns131
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
I hate to say it, but I agree with the fact that we do indeed have teachers who are so dense that it scares. Especially those that think they can get away with being a great teacher. I can name a few but won't embarrass them here.
Topher
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.
At the high school level the state will be/is implementing the Common Core State Standards. These standards are very much skills based and focused on critical thinking skills (forming an argument, supporting with evidence, comparing, close readings of texts). The state will assess the first group of students in 2014. This is a turn in the right direction, although I'm anxious to see what a state assessment looks like in regard to the CCSS.
andy kelly
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 11:36 a.m.
Sh1, I am sorry to inform you but they certainly are not! It is nice that they tell people this, but the reality is much different - false advertising of sorts. How do I know this for sure? My sister is a teacher at Burns Park and I have thoroughly reviewed her lessons with other colleagues at the U. My mother was a teacher at King and has confirmed my inquires and is equally horrified by the current state of the science and math curriculum. Further, worksheets are still a MAJOR part of each elementary school in Ann Arbor - just ask their copy machines.
sh1
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 10:58 a.m.
Andy, just FYI, the mathematics, science, and social studies programs at the elementary buildings are all hands-on and require critical thinking. Worksheets should be very minimal in the current curriculum.
andy kelly
Fri, May 25, 2012 : 9:55 a.m.
Greg, you are so right! Although, and unfortunately, our children already are morons due to an antiquated non-effective educational system based on a factory model. We need real thinking with progressive ideas that challenge to get us to greatness. My daughters were in the AAPS at Lawton until I could no longer with live with the horror of the mindless worksheets and shackled teachers. Question - Why do so many people bash our teachers when they really have nothing to do with ANYTHING that happens in the classroom? Case in point: All curriculum is mandated at the administration building and scripted for each teacher. So, teachers no longer have to research anything since it is all in their script. As any "good" teacher knows, those who research and then teach tend to have a stronger hold on that specific subject. But the administration has taken that out of the hands of teachers and instead treats them like actors/actresses. Again folks, we need a real educational system that rewards imagination and enables children to find the love of learning through exploration. It really is not so hard to create since many of us who did attend PPS understand the faults clearly. It is a much better alternative then training our children to be good prisoners, especially with the current behavioral system in place. But real decision come an costs - are we willing to pay the price? Are we willing to break from the norm and lead rather than follow? Bottom line...are we brave enough?