Governor Chris Gregoire signed a bill yesterday that will add student test scores to the list of factors that principals use to evaluate teachers.

 

The measure also adds teacher feedback as an element of principal reviews.

 

Governor Gregoire expects the measure to make Washington a national model, as several other states are working on similar systems, many of which are struggling.

 

The measure will dramatically change how teachers and principals are evaluated, moving from a two tiered system of either satisfactory or unsatisfactory to a four tiered system that includes unsatisfactory, basic, proficient and distinguished.

 

The law will use student growth data in at least three of the eight categories in the evaluations, criteria that Matt Charlton, Superintendent of Manson School District approaches with caution.

 

School districts across the state will be required to start implementing the new system during the 2013-2014 school year.

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