Hell froze over! A bill currently in circulation for sponsorship would give Delaware teachers a choice if they want the state assessment in their annual evaluation. As well, it gives all components equal measurements. This revelation came about yesterday at the DPAS-II Advisory Committee when State Rep. Earl Jaques whipped it out and showed the committee. This is big folks! Of course, a certain former Delaware DOE employee isn’t too happy about it but that’s what happens when you leave a “company”. They dismantle all your work and try something else. I’m sure we will hear more whining about this bill in the coming weeks from those who profited immensely from how DPAS-II is currently.
Teachers in Delaware will breathe a collective sigh of relief over this one if it passes. Which is great for the teachers. But this isn’t the best for students. It still leaves the state assessment, Smarter Balanced, in play. If teachers can have the option for it not counting, how about students? If teachers can opt in, why not students? Until then, I hope the students’ parents opt out!
I imagine the sponsors on this bill are looking ahead to November at this point. Their prior history of courting favor with Governor Markell will cost them votes unless they take some radical action now. The Markell education foundation is starting to crack and crumble.
This draft legislation was found at the blog linked above. Along with a lot of crying and complaining. Boo-friggin’-hoo!
The Season Of Myths 