House committee passes new teacher assessments
INDIANAPOLIS-A bill that would include factors other than standardized test scores when assessing teacher evaluations passed through the Indiana House of Representatives Education Committee by a vote of 6-5 Wednesday.
“What we’re trying to do is asking for test scores to not be the sole factor,” Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, the sponsor of House Bill 1134, said. “This is the sole factor, and it shouldn’t be.”
Before passing the bill, the legislators debated for two hours on subjects that do not always pertain to teacher evaluation. For example, the bill requires testing companies to certify that the tests are valid and reliable measures for evaluating teacher performance.
“We’re also asking testing agencies to determine said tests for teachers to determine whether or not they can teach that course,” Porter said. “The outcome of student test determines whether student is competent.”
The committee also discussed the implications the bill may have on the student, not so much the teacher.
“We’re all different,” Rep. Vernon Smith, R-Gary, said. “We start at different points. I think it’s unfair we put undue pressure on people who are really trying. I [also] do believe we have some traditional public educators who are in a comfort zone they shouldn’t be in. The school shouldn’t give up on the child. I think our focus is off.”
Yet another issue is how testing determines “51 percent” of a teacher’s evaluation, instead of 50 percent.
“That one percent is really screwing the teacher,” Rep. Shelli VandenBurgh, R-Crowne Point, said.
“The purpose of the tests is to not evaluate teachers, but to evaluate student performance,” Smith added. “We’re talking about determining growth and achievement. If you come from an urban scenario, you aren’t going to be able to move a student as quickly. All of that is thrown together when you evaluate teachers.”
Dan Clark of the Indiana Teachers Association said the bill focuses directly on the misapplication of test scores.
“The narrow issue is appropriate and inappropriate use of the test scores,” Clark said. “The issue that has been created since last June is whether or not test scores can be use for employment decisions. Test scores can’t be the sole basis of making an employment decision.”
The bill will head for a vote on the House floor next week.
