MLive.com: $6M Michigan teacher evaluation program on track for fall but awaiting approval

By Danielle Arndt K-12 education reporter

Posted on Thu, May 24, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.

Leaders with the State Commission on Educator Effectiveness said Michigan teachers unions are on board with the idea of an evaluation pilot program, but lawmakers may need some convincing to OK the $6 million necessary for the first year of implementation, according to an article on MLive.com.

The article states the commission, which was developed by Gov. Rick Snyder to look at teacher tenure reform, is on track to launch the pilot program in the fall and is currently trying to develop ways to help struggling teachers.

The pilot would include three evaluation programs throughout 12 districts, with a mix of urban, suburban, rural and charter schools, the article said.

The Michigan Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, two of the largest teachers unions, are supportive of the evaluation effort, according to MLive.

Read the complete story about the progress of the commission, chaired by University of Michigan School of Education Dean Deborah Loewenberg Ball, here.

Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.