Among the laws taking effect on July 1 are the reforms to the Teacher Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System (TLE). House Bill 2957 unties teacher evaluations from student test scores. The authors of the legislation were Rep. Michael Rogers and Senator John Ford.
“One of the most important keys to success for our students is a dedicated and professional classroom teacher. The TLE was intended to aid in the professional development of those educators,” said Ford. “While accountability measures are important, sometimes there are unintended consequences—the concern was that the TLE was a mandate that interfered with a teacher’s ability to focus on students. This legislation addresses that concern, putting the focus on professional growth and enabling our teachers to do what they do best—teach.”
School districts will still be allowed to factor student test scores into a teacher evaluation, however, the state will not pick up the associated costs. The measure also eliminates the requirement for evaluation scores to be used to terminate teachers.
“Senator Ford and I believe it is important to listen to the concerns of our local teachers, administrators and parents, and this legislation is in response to those concerns,” said Rogers. “I thank our colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Mary Fallin for their support for HB 2957, giving flexibility to local districts and letting board members, administrators and parents determine what works best for their schools.”
