By now, you may have already heard the news. At their annual convention earlier this month, in a vote among the more than 8,000 delegates present, the NEA approved the use of standardized test scores (in very specific language and under certain conditions) to evaluate teachers.
I came across this
interesting commentary from the DC-based education think tank Education Sector on the NEA's move and thought I would share it. But I would also encourage those who are interested to read
the approved policy statement itself. I may be a nerd about policy issues, but I like reading the final language knowing that so many varied voices were considered in crafting exactly the right words for this statement. The policy statement covers teacher evaluations and accountability, and even notes that the union needs to develop some model language for fair dismissal based on these new provisions. We'll see what happen's next.
If you prefer the Cliff's Notes version, check out the
press release from the NEA.