Local schools are now re-defining what it takes to be a good teacher through a new evaluation system. It will judge teachers, not only on their interaction with kids, but a portion of the evaluation will also be tied to test scores. Test scores will account for 25 percent of a teachers rating and that number may go higher in Chicago, where teachers are currently on strike. While educators locally aren't up in arms over the situation, they do have many concerns.
"There are some things I'm concerned about, like that they may not take some things into consideration, such as is it a teachers first year, what type of class they might have or are they implementing new programs?" said Gloria Funai, a Colona School 5th Grade Teacher.
The new teacher evaluations are part of a law Illinois Governor Pat Quinn passed in 2010. He said it ensures the state's teachers are performing at their best . Tenured teachers will also be evaluated every two years. In the past they weren't evaluated at all.
Under the new system educators are judged on their test scores and student growth, as well as classroom preparedness, management, and student interaction. Local educators said those are all good criteria to judge teachers on, the only problem is they think teachers need more information.
"Teachers have not received any type of formal training, there's nothing available through the state for teachers," Colona School Superintendent Kyle Ganson said.
"If you're evaluating teachers or anyone for that matter, would like them to know the criteria or guidelines," he said.
Ganson said administrators are required to go through about 30 hours of on-line training to know what characteristic to look for, but teachers only know what information administrators have been able to pass along.
"From looking at it, seems very fair, it's spelled out clearly. The concern is putting the cart before the horse. Evaluations are starting and there are some things I think teachers need to be better trained on, but the training is not available and the funds aren't there," Colona Art Teacher Amy Murray said.
Murray said she is also concerned about the test score portion of the evaluation. She said as an art teacher, she does not give formal tests, so she is not sure how she will be scored. However, both she, and Principal Laurie Brasche said they think teachers will be able to benefit from the new system.
"I think it will also be good for showing teachers exactly what they need to improve," Murray said.
"We have great teachers and we want to make them even greater with this. I love it, good stuff, really does describe good teaching," Brasche said.
However, Brasche said her main concern is the time it takes, and making sure she gives every teacher enough attention to help them improve their weak areas.
"I'm nervous about that because like I said, I want every teacher to get attention. Those who are struggling, that's 3 or 4 meetings with them, times 25-30 teachers."
