Not So Fast - No on SB 191

NOT SO FAST!
Sen. Michael Johnstons Evaluation & Due Process Bill

WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE PIKES PEAK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, URGE YOU TO VOTE NO ON STATE SENATOR MICHAEL JOHNSTONS TEACHER EVALUATION AND DUE PROCESS BILL (SB 191).

We want a fair, credible evaluation system. Colorados system must be improved. This is why Gov. Ritter created the Governors Council for Educator Effectiveness. The council, with teacher representatives, needs time to do its job without interference or restrictions from a new law. Sen. Michael Johnstons bill impedes the councils work.

Sen. Johnstons bill goes too far and costs too much. The bill requires all teachers to be evaluated every year. It mandates that districts create new teacher and principal evaluation systems even if they already do evaluations well or recently overhauled their systems. Just as the Legislature is forcing districts to slash their budgets, lay off employ-ees, raise class sizes, and freeze salaries and on top of new content standards, turnaround schools, and the impacts of ESEA reauthorization!

The bill relies heavily on student assessment to measure teacher effectiveness. CSAP is on the way out, but theres no new assessment to replace it yet and no money to pay for one.

The bill radically weakens due process under state law. Teaching is a high-risk profession that requires profess-sionals to be able to work in a supportive environment without fear of reprisals or capricious decisions by princi-pals. The bill penalizes an experienced teacher with two consecutive years of demonstrated ineffectiveness (based partially on student test scores), forcing the teacher back to probationary status with-out due process. This can hap-pen to teachers at any time in their careers.

We want a qualified teacher in every classroom. Fair evaluation and employment procedures are one important aspect of ensuring quality employees.

Our message to you is NOT SO FAST! Let the Governors Educator Effectiveness Council with teacher voices complete its assignment before we change teacher evaluation or due process. We urge you to vote NO on Sen. Johnstons bill. (SB 191)

(Please clearly sign your first and last name.)