What is this and why are we the guinea pigs?

This pilot is part of a comprehensive set of reforms (see ”The new evaluation and improvement plan for teachers”) aimed at putting an effective teacher in every NYCDOE classroom.  The NYCDOE anticipates that the measures set forth by this pilot program for the evaluation of teachers will be used across all schools as early as 2012-2013.  Our participation in the program is low-stakes for teachers and administrators; essentially we are helping to gather more data about teacher effectiveness as well as gain a stronger understanding of how to best bring the program to scale next year.  Our participation in the program allows us to understand fully how we will be evaluated in the future when stakes are higher and evaluation processes are different.  Networks and principals elected to be a part of this program, and our network and administrators share the goals of the program.  We are confident that while this is a change, it will allow CAS staff to approach the coming changes in teacher evaluation armed with confidence and knowledge.  This “dry run” will provide everyone with important feedback on their practice and an understanding of a vastly different teacher evaluation system before this system goes into effect and stakes are high.

Talent Management Pilot, NYCDOE, Summer 2001, p11