Morning Bell: ‘Value-Added’ Teacher Evaluation, High Stakes Test Boycott

Traumatic lives of students affect teacher’s evaluation – “My heart sank when I saw the score, my entire year summed up in a number. In the eyes of the state, I am not even ‘average.’ In fact, they probably believe I did my students more harm than good.” The Answer Sheet

Dear Teacher, Johnny Isn’t Sick. He’s Just Boycotting the Test. – “Ms. Chajet is one of a small but growing number of parent activists in New York City opposed to the system’s emphasis on high-stakes testing. Many of them took part in a boycott of the field tests in June, when parents at 47 public elementary and middle schools of the 1,029 tested had their children sit them out.” New York Times

Group projects boost New Tech learning – “At New Tech high schools, students more often work in groups on projects to better understand concepts in all subject areas. Courses such as English and history are often combined.” Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

Ivy Tech’s nano hub – “Jobs prospects are expected to be good in the growing field of nanotechnology. The initial 10-week summer program will have room for 20 students. The program will be intense: six courses, requiring class work eight hours a day, five days a week.” South Bend Tribune