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State Representative Kathy Brynaert
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3248
For more information contact: Jessica Nyman 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
Rep. Brynaert Advocates for Proven Teacher Evaluation Models
St. Paul, Minnesota—Early this morning, the Republican led House passed a K-12 Education Omnibus Bill that included policy changes to teacher evaluation and tenure. Heavy on structure and light on results State Representative Kathy Brynaert took issue with the provision.
“Our goal here is improved student learning through effective teacher evaluation," said Rep. Brynaert. “We should work with Minnesota experts to develop a model that gives teachers accurate information to improve instruction.”
The bill, authored by the Republican majority, provides a complex framework for evaluating teachers, consisting of multiple rating systems lacking a clear foundation. Also of concern, is the lack of research to support the framework—there is no evidence to suggest this model will result in better teachers and more successful student outcomes.
“The framework provided in the Omnibus bill is unproven and overly cumbersome,” said Rep. Brynaert. “For real reform, we need to balance the lessons that have been learned from the many districts that have been using teacher evaluation to improve student learning, with the best knowledge and experience of our assessment professionals as we work to develop a strong statewide model.”
In an attempt to remedy the teacher assessment provision, Rep. Brynaert offered an amendment to substitute the drafted language with an evaluation model grounded in research that would take a balanced approach, examining both quantitative and qualitative information. Additionally, the model would rely on a best practice standards based proposal to provide a foundation for a consistent state-wide approach. Despite support from educators, researchers and other experts in the field, the amendment was defeated on a bi-partisan vote.
“Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner, Brenda Cassellius, has spoken publicly several times that this is a good starting point in developing a cohesive statewide teacher assessment program.” said Rep. Brynaert. “The research and experience of our best minds in this field are right at our fingertips. It is our responsibility to use these invaluable resources to develop a teacher evaluation model that will keep the focus on student learning.”
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