All Public Educators, do we want this bill put into law???? Read these talking points and see if you agree? Its not good! Call today, goes into subcomittee tomorrow! House Bill 4419: Teacher Evaluation Bill This legislation is not needed at this time. The State Department of Education is currently pilot testing two new evaluation systems in districts in our state. We need the analysis of the data from the pilot schools before any new legislation dealing with teacher evaluation is adopted. This bill is in subcommittee on Tuesday at 3:00 pm. Please get in contact with the members of the K-12 Subcommittee of the House Education Committee and ask them to TABLE House Bill 4419. We understand this bill is long. Please read the proposed changes to teacher evaluation that will affect you as a professional whether you have been teaching for one year or thirty years. There are changes for all professionals. IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT YOU CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THIS SUBCOMMITEE AND ASK THEM TO VOTE AGAINST THIS BILL. HERE ARE SOME OF PALMETTO STATE TECHERS ASSOCIATON’S MAJOR CONCERNS WITH THE BILL. Section 1 (A): We have concerns about highly effective or effective teachers based on their evaluations may be removed from their school based on mutual consent of a principal. We are concerned that this gives principals the opportunity to get rid of our best teachers. Section 2: Mentions demoting the teacher and the demoting proceeding for a teacher. It is not clear what demoting a teacher means. Also in Section 2, teachers are not able to appeal evaluation ratings. We think teachers should be able to appeal the evaluation rating. Section 4 (A) 1-2: Mentions all teachers must be formally evaluated annually. We are concerned that districts may not have the personnel to formally evaluate all teachers in the district each year. Section 4 (C): 50% of teacher evaluation based on student achievement is too much. Section 5 (I) 2: If a teacher must be provided professional development because of their scores on an annual evaluation, the district shall pay for the cost of the professional development. The bill states that the employee shall receive reimbursements from the school district. We feel that the district should pay the cost up front for the employee. Section 6 (B): Implementation in the 2014-2015 school year does not give enough time for educators to be properly trained in the new evaluation system. Section 7: The State Board of Education should decide based on the needs of the state where alternative certified individuals may teach. Our state produces enough early childhood and elementary teachers in our state colleges and universities that alternatively certified individual should not be allowed to take these jobs. Section 12: The added language to Section 12 should not be in this bill. It has nothing to do with evaluating a teacher. Section 14 (C): Do not make changes to the amount of time for the induction period. A teacher should not be placed on an induction contract for four years. K-12 Education Subcommittee Members and Contact Information Andrew S. Patrick, Robert L. Brown Jerry N. Govan, Jr Harold Mitchell, Jr. Joshua Putnam Samuel Rivers, Jr. Bill Taylor Don L. Wells
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 14:38:50 +0000