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Today's Poll: Which group should oversee teacher evaluations?

By Howard B. Owens
Loy Gross

Where is 'none of the above / other'? How about an independent panel, comprised of the recognized best teachers from across the state?

I've been a teacher, and only teachers can evaluate other teachers - there are too many invisible factors that outsiders wouldn't even see. Having boards or superintendents evaluate would be largely pointless. But I wouldn't trust the job to the union. Sorry, but it's the union's job to keep teachers working, and trusting them with evaluations is a conflict of interest.

Aug 30, 2011, 10:14am Permalink
Mike Weaver

In any setting the immediate supervisor should be evaluating the employee. As far as I know, the closest thing to an immediate supervisor for teachers is the school Principal. Responsibility for evaluations should primarily be there. None of the poll choices include individuals with direct daily contact with the teachers and students to have any sort of real time and face-to-face data about a given teachers' performance.

Aug 30, 2011, 10:31am Permalink
Bea McManis

The poll doesn't include all of the options. The principal, of course...but why not representatives from the parents' organization too?
The principal sees that teacher every day. Parents also come in contact with teachers far more than the school board.

Aug 30, 2011, 10:40am Permalink
C. M. Barons

The poll question specifies "oversee" teacher evaluations- not conduct them or evaluate them. Since the State Education Department sanctions professional licenses, it should oversee the evaluation process. They should design a statewide rubrik for evaluation and be 'place of record' for documentation. Who should administer the evaluation? The Board of Education (local) hires teachers; the Board and its chief officer (School Superintendent) should administer the evaluation. Who should 'score' the evaluation? The building principal, a panel of peers, parents and pupils- each has a vested interest in teacher performance.

Aug 30, 2011, 12:48pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

The union's role? If a teacher chooses to challenge a finding or impact of finding on terms of his/her employment, once having exhausted whatever built-in appeals process exists within the State/Ed evaluation system- then the union should file a grievance via local contract.

Aug 30, 2011, 2:10pm Permalink
Greg Siedlecki

It should absolutely be the NYS Department of Education.
Because, similar to local organized sports, Batavia is a "who you know" city ... and thorough evaluations will be tainted by friendships.

Aug 31, 2011, 7:20am Permalink

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