Relates to the use of an independent trained evaluator in teacher observation

BILL NUMBER:S5605

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the use of independent trained evaluators

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends paragraph b of subdivision 4 of section 3012-d of the education law as added by section 2 of subpart E of part EE of chapter 56 of the laws of 2015.

Section 2 - effective date.

Purpose

To insure broader independence and flexibility among school districts to use independent trained evaluators, subject to negotiations pursuant to article fourteen of thee civil service law.

Justification

Due to the new teacher evaluation guidelines passed in the 2015-16 enacted budget, school districts are faced with draconian administrative choices. Schools should not be pigeonholed into applying evaluation regimes that do not make sense for their districts.

While school districts have historically been underfunded, imposing this additional unfunded mandate is irresponsible. The sole use of an outsider as the evaluator of teachers and building principals provides little insight into their practice and, in any event, does not present a path toward accountability. Therefore, empowering school districts to make choices about what makes sense for their schools is the prudent option. This bill empowers school districts to make such choices.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.