(WI) K-12 bill allows test scores to factor into teacher firing

[The Straight Story]

K-12 bill allows test scores to factor into teacher firing

The education committees’ chairmen of both legislative chambers are teaming up on a package of K-12 reforms. The legislation would allow schools to use student test scores as a factor in teacher termination, a practice barred by current law.

Senate Education Chairman Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) emphasizes it is just one factor for districts to consider when evaulating an educator’s performance.

“The research shows that a single test is not a good indicator of teacher performance,” Olsen says. “But it’s one of the evaluations that they can use rather than a law saying you can’t use it.”

The head of the state’s largest teachers union testifies against the bill. WEAC President Mary Bell cites a standardized test, the Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Exam, is not a proper indicator of how well students are being taught.

http://www.wrn.com/2011/05/k-12-bill-allows-test-scores-to-factor-into-teacher-firing/

[DrDan]

1. this assault on teachers is simply unconscionable

"teach to the test" or risk termination.

What about the roles of parents, of school administrators, of counselors.

Greed is running this country into the dumper - and education is simply the latest source of fortune - at the expense of our children.