More legislation targets use of tests in teacher evaluations

The use of student test results to grade teachers has garnered more attention from Georgia lawmakers, with a third bill seeking to diminish the role of tests.

House Bill 1061 was dropped off at the clerk of the House of Representatives Friday. It’s chief co-sponsor, Rep. Tom Dickson, R-Cohutta, is seeking to reduce the weight of test results to 30 percent of a teacher’s evaluation. Currently, tests must count for at least half of a teacher’s job review.

Dickson's proposed weighting is similar to one proposed by Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, chairman of the Senate Education and Youth committee. A second hearing on Tippins' bill, Senate Bill 364, is scheduled for Friday afternoon. A third bill, by Sen. William T. Ligon, Jr., R-Brunswick, would reduce the weight of tests to 10 percent. Senate Bill 355 has not yet been heard in committee.

Many teachers say they cannot control test results and that the reliance on tests is driving them out of the profession. Testing proponents counter that it is an objective measure to hold teachers accountable for student academic growth.

You can read more here about teachers and testing.

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