Interesting News

In one of my education classes, we were just informed that the state is trying to change the way teacher observations are conducted. Right now, teachers are observed by a principle or assistant principle. However, they want to make the observation based 50% on a principle’s observation of the teacher, and 50% on student performance (from state assessment tests). They want this in effect by Fall of 2012, which means that our class of future educators is clearly effected by this. I personally see this as a horrible idea because some students will always struggle of state tests, and some students are just poor test takers. Also, some students do not take the tests seriously, which shows that they did not learn anything when we know that it is true. Although there are no promises of this taking place, it is important to be aware of the implications. How do you see this affecting the education system? Why do you think they would change to this? What would this really be measuring in your opinion?