Tenure Track
Apr 11, 2008 2:57 PM
Manhattan: Schools Chancellor Joel Klein is wrong in arguing that teacher tenure should be contingent on student standardized test scores. There is no independent or conclusive research showing you can accurately measure the impact of an individual teacher on a student's academic achievement - much less use student test scores, particularly those given midyear, to do it. No one is afraid of accountability, but the measures have to be fair and accurate. The compromise crafted by the Legislature and governor has widespread support - including from the School Boards Association - but not from the chancellor and the mayor. The bill also calls for a study to see if any of these "value-added" metrics can be a reliable and fair way to measure school or teacher effectiveness. If the mayor and chancellor have the evidence to show their theory works, they should welcome an independent analysis of the issue. We are willing. Why aren't they?
Randi Weingarten, president
United Federation of Teachers
