STATEMENT FROM
STATE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER JOHN B. KING, JR. ON
TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL EVALUATION DISCLOSURE LEGISLATION

"Teacher and principal evaluations help teachers and principals improve their practice, which in turn helps students improve their performance. Public disclosure of individual ratings would just get in the way of that progress. Chancellor Tisch, the Board of Regents and I have repeatedly stressed our opposition to the disclosure of individual ratings. 

"The Legislature’s approval of the Governor’s legislation limiting disclosure of personal information included in teacher and principal evaluations is a welcome step.  Parents will get the information they need, and the release of aggregate evaluation information will help the public make informed education policy decisions.

"Now that this issue is behind us, we cannot let evaluations become an end unto themselves.  We need to focus our energies to drive stronger teaching and learning in every classroom in the State.  Our goal is college and career readiness for every student.  They deserve it, our State needs it, and our future demands it."