New teacher performance standards are in effect

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Most schools are in session and this year, there are new teacher performance standards in effect.

Among the changes this year, teachers are subject to a new evaluation system.

But the superintendent told 22News it's difficult to combine the new process with the current system.

Governor Deval Patrick signed a law creating a data collection system. This will test how teachers are doing in the classroom by the student's performance.
 
Classroom performance will matter more than seniority when it comes to teacher layoffs.

“Having a husband who worked in unions for years his work was based on seniority but I think with our children it should be performance,” said Joyce Rice of Greenfield.

The principal or the department supervisor will evaluate the teacher. Some say this can hurt teachers rather than help.

Jacqueline Lejeune is a retired teacher. She told 22News no matter how good that teacher, she may bring the student to their full learning potential but that full learning potential may not allow that student to pass the MCAS .

Greenfield Public Schools are trying to put the new evaluation system into effect this school year. The Superintendent of Schools told 22News it doesn't state who will be evaluated.

“You don't have to implement it for every single teacher you can do it in phases. The law doesn't say how to decide that but for our district we will probably start with teachers that are the newest in our district,” said the Superintendent of Schools Susan Hollins of Greenfield.

The Board of Education will provide training for teachers and administrators.