(Members present, FYI – Tom, Sullivan, Priest, Kowalkowski, Hyde, Chow, Bergeson, Grimm, Jarrett, Hunter, Dolan, Hartmann, Anderson)
11:40am-12:05pm
Discussion of proposals, continued
- Teacher evaluation (continued): Incorporate Dr. Dolan’s proposed language
>>Sen. Tom said he didn’t believe there was anything in the Model Schools proposal that prevented principals from accessing the evaluations conducted by peer evaluators/reviewers. Rep. Anderson said one benefit of the proposed system is that the profession will become self-regulating. Dr. Bergeson asked for clarification on the three occasions when teachers are evaluated. Rep. Hunter clarified that teachers are evaluated in the peer-review system during their student teaching and then before transitioning to the Professional tier. The NB certification process is used in lieu of a formal evaluation to move to the Master tier.
>>Sup. Kowalkowski shared his belief that the role of principals should be clearly delineated in the evaluation system, and principals should have input in compensation increases. Rep. Hunter personally agrees, but doesn’t think enough players in the system will agree (worry over “arbitrary and capricious” evaluations by principals). He offered that the proposed system will be welcomed as more uniform and fair. Chair Grimm took issue with the use of “arbitrary and capricious.” Sup. Kowalkowski said teaching is about more than just classroom performance, and includes interactions with colleagues and the community (continued advocating for principals included in evaluation system). Dr. Hyde supported replacing “evaluation” with “review.”
>>Dr. Dolan proposed the following language for Teacher Evaluation: “As the state salary schedule is modified through career ladders and certification, the evaluation system must be adjusted to provide a meaningful reflection of good instruction. The principal is the lead evaluator and, as such, is able to use data from peer reviews. This work should be assigned to the Professional Educator Standards Board.”
>>Chair Grimm asked if evaluation systems are based on anything besides performance. Dr. Dolan said that in her personal opinion, the current evaluation system is a paper process that does not provide meaningful evaluation of teacher performance. Sup. Kowalkowski said he likes the Model Schools proposal; he would just like to also see principals included in teacher evaluation.<<
Break for lunch… We will return at 1:30pm to address collective bargaining.
