Another category has been added to the list of teacher evaluations in Frederick County.
FCTA president Gary Brennan says a pilot program, that will start out in six schools this year, will include student growth. "There will be parts of our evaluation system that won't change at all," said Brennan. Teacher evaluations have previously been based on planning and preparation, classroom environment, and instruction and responsibilities. "There's always concern when there is change. I want to make sure that teachers understand these changes. I want to make sure that we have staff to explain the new system and that teachers have time to learn what the new system is looking for," continued Brennan.
The pilot program, he said, can be important if it's done correctly. "I think that if student growth is designed for teachers and administrators to look at student data, to really look at where students start, and where they end up, and how a teacher can improve, and focus their energy in the classroom, I think it will be a positive change," said Brennan.
The Maryland General Assembly changed the law on teacher evaluations in 2010 to include student achievement.
Six Frederick County schools will begin using the new pilot program this year, before going county-wide for the 2013-14 school year.
