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AAE Signs on to Letter in Support of Teacher Quality
posted by: Ruthie | June 04, 2013, 05:26 PM   

Congress continues to work on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). In considering new provisions and flexibility for states, AAE has signed on to a letter to Congress in support of teacher quality and effectiveness.


AAE, along with several education reform organizations, including Education Trust, Stand for Children, and Democrats for Education Reform, all believe that having an effective teacher is the fundamental building block to a solid education. In a letter written to congressional leadership of both parties, AAE has called for the reauthorized NCLB to include an increased focus on teacher effectiveness, quality and equity.

The letter recommends that all states and districts create and implement a teacher evaluation system comprised of multiple measures that are part of a statewide assessment of teacher effectiveness, by the 2016-2017 school year. These evaluations should also be used to customize each district's professional development as part of an effort to provide meaningful feedback and support excellent teachers.

As a member-driven organization, this letter reflects the views of AAE member educators. According to membership surveys, AAE teachers support a value-added model of student assessments when student test scores are used in part of teacher evaluation. Value-added models take into account important student characteristics such as eligibility for special education services, free and reduced lunch status, school attendance and other factors beyond a teacher's control, thus evaluating educators who teach similar students.

Value-added models also ensure that teachers and schools get credit for not only leading their students to achieve high absolute levels of academic success but also ensuring that students continue to make positive academic gains each year.

The implementation of these measures is paramount to advancing quality education for students. It is imperative that AAE works with policymakers to come up with a system that is fair for teachers. AAE recognizes that a comprehensive evaluation system is coming in many states. It's our job to make sure that teachers have a seat at the table in working toward an effective and just policy. We are proud to support the opinions of real classroom teachers!

 

Click here to read the whole letter.

What do you think of this call for teacher evaluation and equity?

Comment below.

Comments (1)Add Comment
Regular Education Teacher
written by Brenda Bouchie, Louisiana, June 24, 2013

Louisiana is currently in its first year of teacher evaluations. From the beginning of the school year to the end, we have already seen several changes to a system that is under extreme scrutiny by classroom teachers. It is now the middle of June (We got out in late May) and I am still waiting to see my final score. I don't mind being evaluated, but I do mind not having a good understanding of how that score is derived. Believe me, I have asked. I have received replies, but they are about as clear as our great Mississippi River! All I can do is wait for the score and take it from there.

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