UFT: Teacher Evaluation

Dear Colleague,

On Monday, the UFT, NYSUT and the State Education Department reached a new agreement — subject to legislative approval — to create a teacher evaluation and improvement plan.

As we all know, the current evaluation system is too subjective and too dependent on the whims of administrators. We also know many so-called reformers have long fought to base evaluations solely on test scores, something that we have adamantly opposed.

We have long sought an evaluation process based on multiple measures. We were emphatic on that point, as well as the necessity of teacher voice in the process.

Under the new agreement, which would take effect in September 2011, the majority of an individual’s evaluation is based on qualitative measures that may include observations, student portfolios and projects.

If a teacher is identified as ineffective, there will now be a genuine teacher improvement process to support his or her professional growth before any disciplinary action is taken. This is an unprecedented requirement in an evaluation system.

This new process will allow the rest of the state to follow the rubber room agreement we recently reached for those facing incompetence charges.

Here’s what you need to know:

• This process is much more objective than the current process.
• This process includes much more teacher voice.
• This process includes a true teacher improvement plan.
• This process limits the emphasis on standardized tests.

Sincerely,

Michael Mulgrew