With educators» professional growth — and, ultimately, students» success — on the line, state policymakers have a great opportunity to craft smart,
supportive evaluation policies.
If the new information surprises respondents by indicating the district is doing less well than previously thought, the public, upon learning the truth of the matter, is likely to 1) lower its
evaluation of local schools; 2) become more
supportive of educational alternatives for families; 3) alter thinking about current
policies affecting teacher compensation and retention; and 4) reassess its thinking about school and student accountability
policies.