DESPITE REFORMS, MOST STATES ALLOW TEACHERS TO EARN EFFECTIVE RATINGS EVEN WITHOUT GAINS IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, SAYS NEW REPORT

Since 2009, the number of states requiring school districts to incorporate evidence of student learning as at least a significant part of teacher evaluations has grown to 30 states. Despite clear legislative intent, rules or guidance in 28 of these 30 states allow a teacher to earn an overall rating of effective or higher, even if a teacher scores poorly on student learning.