The new teacher evaluations are out, and it comes as no surprise that the reformers are not pleased. Their assumption is that low standardized test scores must mean bad teaching.

It can’t be the new test. It can’t be the new standards. It can’t be the lack of curriculum materials at the outset of implementation. It can’t be the lack of teacher training.

The rush to implement the new standards, the new evaluation system, and new curriculum all at the same time caused chaos in classrooms across the country, but low test scores are still a surprise to these folks. This demonstrates the reformers’ true lack of understanding of the consequences of their actions.

Paul Maddalone, IS 24, Staten Island