Comments on: Let the Race Begin http://blogcea.org/2009/11/24/let-the-race-begin/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:53:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Laurel Killough http://blogcea.org/2009/11/24/let-the-race-begin/#comment-309 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:20:52 +0000 http://blogcea.org/?p=1020#comment-309 The RTTT process in Connecticut has involved key stakeholders in public education including CEA. State Education Commissioner Mark McQuillan convened a state “External Partners Advisory Committee” that included CEA. This advisory committee prepared a final report recently that made key points: 1) Connecticut’s Guidelines for Teacher Evaluation and Professional Development should continue to play a central role in judging educators. 2) Multiple measures of student achievement should be a factor of consideration for evaluation. 3) Teachers and principals should have roles in determining standards of evaluation and student growth targets.

You are correct that CEA is opposed to merit pay. Test scores are not the only reflection of an educator’s work; multiple measures are paramount. Your point about some educators whose students have learning goals not measured by CMT or CAPT is a good one. The State Department of Education is investigating growth models. There also is discussion that student performance would be tracked over multi-year periods, not just for one-year cycles.

Please know that the RTTT process has been on a very fast track. CEA has been an active participant in the discussions in order to represent the voice of teachers. You are not alone in having questions about what the RTTT could mean for teachers. In fact, on Thursday, December 17, Education Commissioner Mark McQuillan will be meeting with association leaders from across Connecticut to answer questions. We will be posting video excerpts and other information on our blog and invite you to continue the conversation with us.

]]> By: Special Education Professional http://blogcea.org/2009/11/24/let-the-race-begin/#comment-303 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:52:26 +0000 http://blogcea.org/?p=1020#comment-303 This initiative supports merit pay or whatever else it’s now being called – pay for performance, differentiated pay, bonus payment, etc. As an association CEA has been opposed to this type of compensation for many years and for many valid reasons. Are we now changing our stance? What provisions are being instituted for classroom teachers and specialists whose primary job is to teach the non-performing students or the students with severe social, emotional, or intellectual disabilities? Should we all strive to become teachers of gifted and talented students?

]]>