Letters 1-29

Teacher evaluation system

Details unclear

Teachers want fairness. Many of my fellow teachers who voted against the recent six-year contract offer rejected it because of the unclear teacher evaluation system referred to in the contract offer. The vaguely worded offer stated that 50 percent of the teacher evaluation would be based on “teachers’ contribution to student learning and growth” (student performance on some yet unstated test). The other 50 percent would be based on “teachers practice indicators” (leadership duties, extra coursework, etc.). There were few, if any details about this future evaluation system (except we would now be evaluated every year, instead of every two years).

What many of those not in the education world don’t realize is much of our curriculum is scripted. Many schools in West Hawaii are under restructuring — that is, many academic decisions (how to collect data, what kinds of tests to give, who gets extra help, etc.) are determined by the restructuring providers — not the teachers.

Also, sadly, many of our students come to school unprepared (many with little or no preschool experience); others go home to an empty house, or to a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet. Many of our students don’t have the home support, or language skills they need to complete homework or learn necessary study skills. In other words, there are too many variables to tie teacher pay to student test scores or student performance. I offer a metaphor (think of the medical world): If doctors were paid based on patients being “cured,” then who would go into oncology? What doctors would serve the aging or critically ill?

While a lot of hard work went into crafting the recent contract offer, there were some large gaps teachers clearly noticed. The unprecedented six-year contract offer is appreciated, but what guarantees that reopeners will come to fruition? Replacing the current salary schedule with a step increase model is a positive step forward. But overall, the lack of clarity in the teacher evaluation system was troublesome and unfair.

It was clear more information about this evaluation system (and who would help craft it) was needed. There are schools currently piloting a model evaluation system; perhaps that program could be shared with teachers throughout the state? Teachers understand and are sympathetic to the tough economic times, but we want what is fair. It’s obvious from the outcome of the failed ratification vote we’d rather stick with the current imposed contract and its 5 percent pay cut, than agree to an offer that has an unfair (or unclear) teacher evaluation system.

Toni Reynolds

Kailua-Kona