Hechinger Report | Student surveys to be used to rate teachers in pilot program — even in kindergarten classes

Hechinger Report | Student surveys to be used to rate teachers in pilot program — even in kindergarten classes:

Student surveys to be used to rate teachers in pilot program — even in kindergarten classes

by Sarah Butrymowicz

Kindergartners in Georgia — many of whom don’t yet read — could soon play an important role in deciding which teachers get raises or get fired. Under a new pilot program, 5-year-olds will be guided through a survey that includes such statements as “My teacher knows a lot about what he or she teaches” and “My teacher gives me help when I need it.” As the youngsters circle a smiley face, a neutral face or a frowning face, they will be playing their part in new high-stakes teacher evaluations.

The kindergartners could help put Georgia at the forefront of a growing national movement to make student surveys part of how teachers are rated. Students in every grade across the state will participate in the pilot program, and, depending on its results, Georgia may incorporate the student feedback into teacher evaluations as early as next school year, when it will join such measures as observations by principals and student test