Teacher evaluation bill opposed by unions dies in committee

Legislation that would have required more frequent evaluations of educators was killed by a state Senate committee Wednesday under strong opposition from teachers’ unions.

The bill, by Sen. Ron Calderon (D-Montebello), would have required permanent teachers with 10 years experience to undergo performance reviews every three years instead of five. It would also have required school districts to consider parent input in instructor evaluations and set up four rating levels for teachers. Many districts, such as L.A. Unified, have two rating levels – meets standards or doesn’t.

“California public school students – our children – were the losers today,” Calderon said in a statement. “Those defending the status quo won the day and while I am disappointed, I am hopeful that at some point the Legislature will show the leadership necessary to guarantee our children have the best teachers possible.”

In a statement, the California Teachers Assn. called the measure a “poorly conceived” bill that would not have improved the evaluation process or provided useful feedback to educators.

The bill was supported by L.A. Unified and such educational policy and lobbying groups as Parent Revolution, EdVoice and StudentsFirst. But it failed to win the five votes needed for passage in the Senate Education Committee. Calderon said the measure would be reconsidered May 1.

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