(AREA) — A new state framework for evaluating Michigan’s teachers and schools administrators has been signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. School districts and charter schools will have to base at least 25 percent of a teacher’s evaluation on assessment and student growth data. The component will rise to 40 percent in the 2018-19 academic year. Snyder said Wednesday that the law will help teachers “grow as educators through improved feedback and evaluations.” It’s a follow-up to a 2011 law that overhauled teacher tenure rules but deferred decisions on establishing a statewide evaluation system. The system was supposed to be in place for the 2013-2014 school year but was delayed pending legislative action. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Phil Pavlov of St. Clair Township. According to Pavlov, school districts now have the necessary tools to identify their best educators, help struggling ones improve, and ensure every classroom is staffed with the best teacher possible.
PICTURED: A historic coalition gathered Thursday as Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill sponsored by Sen. Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair Township (standing, center) that creates new educator evaluation standards, establishes Michigan as a preeminent state for teacher quality and positions the state to once again lead the country in student performance. Also pictured at the governor’s desk, from left, are Reps. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor and Amanda Price, R-Park Township, and Sen. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage.
