Evaluating evaluations: an expert’s perspective
This week’s K-12 headlines:
“I’m not convinced.” Charlotte Danielson created the framework most Idaho schools use to evaluate teachers. In an interview this week, she said she is skeptical about the way the state is using her framework to make salary decisions. “I want to make sure the right people are getting the raise, and I’m not convinced.” https://www.idahoednews.org/news/danielson-framework-creator-expresses-concerns-idaho-teacher-evaluations/
The rift within the GOP. As widely expected, Gov. Butch Otter vetoed a bill to repeal the sales tax on groceries, saying repeal could undercut state funding for education and other programs. https://www.idahoednews.org/news/despite-implications-k-12-otter-stops-short-vetoing-highway-bill/
The reaction — even from Otter’s fellow Republicans — was swift and shrill. The rift between Otter and conservatives has never been carefully hidden; now it could hardly be more pronounced. https://www.idahoednews.org/kevins-blog/analysis-grocery-tax-veto-tears-open-widening-rift-gop/
Safe routes to school. The last post-session item on Otter’s desk was an 11th-hour bill to allow the Idaho Transportation Department to use state dollars for sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian islands in school zones. Otter Wednesday allowed the bill to become law, without his signature. https://www.idahoednews.org/kevins-blog/safe-routes-school-bill-becomes-law-without-otters-blessing/
After the elections: a progress report. Idaho voters approved $695 million in bond issues and school levies on March 14. And across Idaho, districts are getting to work. The West Ada School District is working on a long-awaited alternative middle school, the Kuna School District is trying to settle on the site for a new high school and the Boise School District has reworked one school project to respond to neighborhood concerns. https://www.idahoednews.org/news/progress-report-districts-start-spending-bond-levy-dollars/
The 2017 science standards tour. The State Department of Education is on the road — again — soliciting public comments on school science standards. Only a few speakers showed up for a hearing in Idaho Falls Thursday, and they criticized lawmakers for editing the standards and deleting references to climate change. The statewide hearings continue next week. https://www.idahoednews.org/east-idaho/eastern-idahoans-rail-changes-science-standards/
Kevin Richert is a reporter and blogger with Idaho Education News (idahoednews.org.) Idaho Education News is an independent news site focused on K-12 policy and politics, funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation. Richert has worked in the Idaho news media since 1985, as a reporter, editor and columnist.
