Assemblyman Jones Co-Sponsors Legislation Delinking Test Scores and Teacher Evaluations
From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he co-sponsored removing the mandate that standardized test scores be used for teacher and principal evaluations has passed the Assembly (A.783).
“Test scores don’t accurately measure students’ or teachers’ worth,” Jones said. “A one-size-fits-all approach to education hurts a student’s ability to learn and a teacher’s ability to educate. By giving control back to North Country teachers and schools, we can ensure kids get a well-rounded education that truly fits their individual needs.”
The legislation changes the requirement that student scores on state-created or administered exams, including grades 3 through 8 English Language Arts (ELA) and math tests, be used to evaluate teachers and principals. This allows local school districts to adopt evaluation systems that better reflect the work educators do. Additionally, the bill ensures scores on these tests aren’t included on a student’s permanent record.
In 2016, nearly 30 percent of North Country students opted out of the standardized math exam, while approximately 25 percent refused to take the ELA assessment.[1] This legislation is a huge victory for teachers and allows them to better connect with the educational needs of their students, Jones noted.
Posted: January 24th, 2019 under Education News, State Legislator News.