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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

NYC Educator: AFT Puts a Smiley Face on Junk Science

NYC Educator: AFT Puts a Smiley Face on Junk Science:


AFT Puts a Smiley Face on Junk Science

It's quite disappointing to contemplate the inevitable institution of an evaluation system that will judge teachers based on student test scores. For one thing, there's absolutely no research to suggest this is a reflection on teacher quality. For another, the system has never actually worked anywhere.

There are examples of teachers regarded as excellentlosing jobs as a result. There are great teachers whodon't get tenure because of junk science, and who likely as not will leave the profession as a result. And then, of course, there are the teachers who get their names splashed all over the NY Post as a result of junk science scores.

But in yet another lunge at the proverbial seat at the table, AFT has once again partnered with Bill Gates to explain how junk science can be used effectively. It's disappointing to see our parent union accept the false notion that there is a teacher evaluation crisis, and almost