(ANDOVER, Kan.) — By all indications Mrs. Haynes at Andover's Meadowlark Elementary is a great teacher. But, as with everyone, teachers have their strengths and weaknesses. That's why administrators are required to regularly evaluate every teacher.
The process for teacher evaluations in Andover, as in other Kansas school districts, is clearly stipulated in the negotiated agreement between the school board and the education association. The whole system was revamped in Andover just a few years ago.
"We believe it's one of the most important components of our schools," Superintendent Mark Evans says.
Right now the state requires evaluations but gives districts lattitude on how they are done. Evans says Andover uses a model crafted by the nation's top educational experts using extensive research. He says he is "surprised" by Governor Sam Brownback's new plan for teacher evaluations.
Brownback's plan bases half a teacher's job performance on student achievement, 40 percent on the input of others including colleagues and students, and 10 percent on how the teacher contributes to his or her profession.
