Proposal: Less emphasis on FCAT for teacher evaluations

A new proposed teacher evaluation system is being discussed in Pinellas County. It would take away some of the emphasis on standardized tests.

Back in 2011, the state changed teacher evaluations. Their pay, and ultimately their job, was tied to how well students did on the FCAT. It caused quite a bit of backlash because teachers said it wasn't fair.

Now, Pinellas County Superintendent Michael Grego wants to concentrate more on what goes on in the classroom on a daily basis.

He's proposing a system that would have five assessments for teachers.

-- Tests, most likely weekly to determine day to day learning

-- End of Unit Tests, every 4-6 weeks

-- Student Surveys, asking students to evaluate their teachers

-- End of Course Assessments

-- VAM, Value Added Model, the FCAT or other standardized test

This was discussed during a workshop Thursday. School Board members say they still have a lot of questions, and the Pinellas County Classroom Teachers Association says it wants to find out more, too.

But on the surface, they are excited that evaluations could be based on real time classroom learning.

Representatives for the teachers say if they get feedback during the year, teachers can make changes.

But typically, they are given their assessments after school is already out and nothing can be done.