WASHINGTON
Changes that occur as States replaced almost automatically “satisfactory” teacher evaluations with people associated with the LAYOFFS of teachers and the teacher’s performance on the basis of performance rather than seniority. Politically powerful teachers Union against, arguing the changes low morale, denying the teacher because of the process, and unfairly target older teachers.
The debate is so powerful that in Idaho, for example, State Superintendent Tom Luna truck was spray-painted and with tires slashed. Opponents showed up at her mother’s House and he was interrupted during a TV interview instantly by people uneasy. Why? Idaho legislature last year over “continuing contracts”-basically the equivalent of Office–for new teachers and performance said, not seniority, determines LAYOFFS. Other changes included up to $ 8,000 in yearly bonuses given to teachers for good performance, and parental input on evaluation. Opponents collected enough signatures to put a referendum that will reverse the changes on the November ballot.
“We have a system where it is almost impossible to financially reward a great teacher and very difficult to deal with effective teachers. If You want an education system really puts the student first, You must have both, “said Luna.
On Tuesday night, President Barack Obama weighed in on the issue during his State of the Union address. He said schools should be given the resources to maintain and reward good teachers along with the flexibility to teach with creativity and “Replace the teacher just doesn’t help kids learn.”
