Ratings of New York City Teachers to Be Released

The New York City Department of Education will release today the Teacher Data Reports, which attempt to measure and report how much progress their students have made using standardized tests scores.  The results, part of a pilot program, are important in the City's efforts to improve instruction.  The scores have been factored into yearly teacher evaluations and tenure decisions, and now they will be public for all to peruse.   

Chancellor Dennis Walcott was quoted:

“The reports gave teachers and principals one useful perspective on how well teachers were doing in their most important job: helping students learn,” he said. “However, these reports were never intended to be public or to be used in isolation.” (emphasis added).

“Although we can’t control how reporters use this information,” he added, “we will work hard to make sure parents and the public understand how to interpret the Teacher Data Reports.”

Now, that is going to be interesting!  Teacher unions, not unexpectedly, are up in arms over the release of the scores, having sued to stop their publication. 

I'm not suggesting that this is, in fact, a metric to be given much weight - as it stands in isolation of many other factors considered important in school success, but it does generate discussion in the area of teacher effectiveness, and hopefully encourages parents to ask, "What should my child be learning year to year?", or "How can I figure out if my child is getting a good education?".

My call is for parents to take a more active role in the education of their children, especially in ensuring that children learn how to learn, developing and strengthening core cognitive skills considered important for academic success.  Can parents take the leadership on this?  Absolutely.  Are there resources that parents can use? Yes, visit www.ThinkingtoLearn.com to see some of those that are available. 

Where do parents start?

• Learn about the standardized tests being used to measure student progress.  
• Where did your child score?  
• What will you do to address low scores?  
• What will you do to ensure that high abilities continue to be developed and strengthened? 
• Locate individuals who can help you chart a path for your child
• Access resources that introduce and build on critical skills sets. 

Want to understand more about how you, as a parent, can have a positive impact on your child's abilities and future success?  Interested in understanding how your parenting approach can enhance, rather than detract from a child's progress?  Consider engaging in some parent coaching through my service at Pearls4Parents.com.  As a Certified parenting coach, I bring not only coaching and parent coaching training, but also 17 years of parental home education and an understanding of the core skills important to learning. My passion is helping parents help their children find a path to academic success and preparation for college.