Today's poll: Should MCAS scores be used to evaluate teacher performance?
04.18.2011 | Chicopee resident Richard M. Hreschuk fishes at Haviland Pond Monday. MassWildlife posts its trout stocking schedule online. You can find it here.The Forecast
The Connecticut River has fallen back below flood stage in Northampton, but the water is still thundering over the dam in Holyoke and making it seem kind of amazing the old Texon Mill has withstood so many springs.
Today's National Weather Service forecast calls for a high around 52, with more rain likely this afternoon. There's a chance of a thunderstorm before 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Today's Poll
Under a new plan set forth by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester, all teachers and administrators in the state would be subject to a universal evaluation process -- with MCAS scores as one criteria.
The Republican's Jeanette Deforge writes:
Chester’s recommendations call for teachers to be evaluated using results from two types of student assessment, one of which must be the growth data from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems exam where it applies, the memo said.
Principals can also use a wide variety of other local, district, state or commercially-available standardized exams and student work samples, Chester said.
They will also be judged during classroom observations on elements such as instruction, student assessment and curriculum use, he said.
Some educators, including Springfield Education Association President Timothy T. Collins, have questioned the idea of using MCAS scores as a "growth model."
What do you think -- should MCAS scores be used to evaluate teacher performance? Vote in our poll, and check back tomorrow for the results.
Monday's results: Yesterday, we asked, "If Springfield's mayoral election were held today, who would you vote for?" 22 people voted. Incumbent mayor Domenic J. Sarno pulled 50% of that vote; Jose F. Tosado and Antonette E. Pepe were even at 22.73% each; Michael Jones grabbed one vote for 4.55%; Jeffery P. Donnelly had 0%.
Monday's Top 5
The top 5 headlines on MassLive.com on April 17 were:
- Fire tears through historic Brooks House in downtown Brattleboro Vermont
- Charlie Sheen Violent Torpedo of Truth Tour slams into MGM Grand at Foxwoods
- Extravaganja marijuana-freedom festival 4/17/11 [photo gallery]
- On day 2, pro-pot Extravaganja festival called "a Renaissance of freedom"
- Redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle debuts [photo gallery]
Quote of the Day
“You can’t walk down the hall without getting a round of applause.”
— Eighth-grader Kayleen Welch, of Westfield, on the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School victory in the statewide 2011 Mock Trial Championship. Read Patricia Cahill's article here.