In reversal, number of U-rated teachers inched down last year

Original article in GothamSchools by Geoff Decker.

The binary Unsatisfactory/Satisfactory rating system has long been considered an ineffective way for principals to evaluate the performance of teachers in their schools. To solve that problem, the city and the United Federation of Teachers are in talks to create a new evaluation system that would include a rubric with more variables to measure, including formal and informal observations, student growth and school survey data. The system would allow principals to measure teachers based on four different ratings: Ineffective, Developing, Effective, and Highly Effective.The city and the union has until January of 2013 to reach a deal on the evaluation system or risk losing millions in state aid.

In a statement, Chancellor Dennis Walcott used the release as a chance to press the case for the new evaluations.

“These results are further proof that we need a better teacher evaluation system in order to differentiate between the best teachers and those who could benefit from further development,” Walcott said.

To read the complete article, visit GothamSchools.