Idaho teacher evaluations to include parent input

By JESSIE L. BONNER - Associated Press

At least half of an Idaho teacher's job evaluation will be based on student achievement starting July 1, and what parents think should start counting then too, the state Department of Education said Wednesday while clarifying a timeline for the new changes.

Under a plan crafted by public schools chief Tom Luna, at least 50 percent of all Idaho teaching evaluations performed after June 30 will be tied to the academic performance of students. But to some, the law was unclear as to when exactly parents become involved.

The state Department of Education asked lawmakers to further clarify when parental involvement will factor into the evaluations of educators and school administrators.

Lawmakers on the Senate Education Committee voted Wednesday to introduce a bill that says parental input also comes into play on the evaluations after June 30, though just how big a role moms and dads will have in grading their child's educators will be decided by school districts at the local level.

"It's really up to the districts to decide how to incorporate that and how much weighing to give it," said Jason Hancock, who serves as Luna's deputy chief of staff.

Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, said he would try to hold a hearing on the legislation Monday.

Parents across Idaho will have a role in grading the job performance of teachers and in whether an educator gets a raise, as part of a sweeping education overhaul that was approved during the 2011 Idaho Legislature.

School districts and public charter schools were required to develop merit pay plans that could be based on a variety of factors, including improved test scores and attendance rates. At least 29 school districts statewide developed teacher pay-for-performance plans based, at least in part, on parental involvement.

Some critics of Luna's education changes have questioned the larger role for parents, saying their involvement might be outside the control of teachers. Other concerns include whether a teacher might be afraid to discipline a student because parents will now have a say in evaluations and merit pay bonuses.