WV Department of Education Looks to Expand Teacher Evaluations
The West Virginia Department of Education is seeking public comment on the expansion of a teacher evaluation system that was piloted last year at 25 schools in 13 counties, including Lincoln.
The program, supported by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, would be expanded into one school from every county in the state, with the plan of launching it statewide for the 2013-2014 school year.
Comments will be accepted for 30 days prior the mid-July meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education.
The proposed Implementation Guidelines for Comprehensive System of Support for Improving Professional Practice incorporates legislation adopted earlier this year.
The state law requires the state board to publish guidelines on the design and implementation of the educator evaluation system by July 01, 2012.
The revised system focuses on professional growth for teachers, counselors and those who lead them by emphasizing support, guidance and constructive feedback necessary to improve professional practice. The system also features student growth as educators create goals and measure progress toward achieving them.
Liza Cordeiro, spokesperson for the state education department, said the evaluation system does not work to identify teachers who can be fired. Instead, it helps identify who needs professional development and determining the best way to provide that. However, she said anytime there are ineffective teachers or employees, there can be repercussions, including dismissal.
Educators, parents and community members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and make suggestions. The policy can be viewed on the West Virginia Department of Education website at wvde.state.wv.us/policies.
Education • Politics | Government | Election • State-WV •
Congratulations to Hunter Ashley for getting a 2nd place in the Discus throw. He may be a Freshman, but he can definately out throw a lot of sophmores, Juniors and seniors. Way to go Hunter. Practice always pays off. Proud of you.