Education policy task forces set to report

Lawmakers last year established several task forces on education policy issues, and several of them are required to report back to the Legislature next month.

Principal Evaluation Work Group: The 28-member group, which includes four teachers, is charged with developing a performance-based system for annually evaluating principals. The commissioner and the principals associations must report to the Legislature by Feb. 1, and the new system will be implemented in 2013-14.
Teacher Evaluation Advisory Working Group: A separate group is advising the commissioner on recommendations for a new statewide teacher evaluation system that will be required if school districts and unions don’t agree on a local plan. The 35-member group includes 17 Education Minnesota members and leaders. While no report to the Legislature is required this year, the new system will be implemented in 2014-15.
Tiered Licensure Advisory Task Force: An 18-member group appointed by the governor is working on recommendations for a new system of tiered licensure for teachers. The Department of Education and the Board of Teaching are to report to the Legislature by Feb. 15.
Integration Revenue Replacement Advisory Task Force: The 12-member group, which includes one Education Minnesota member, must report to the Legislature by Feb. 15 on ways to "repurpose" integration revenue to enhance student opportunities and narrow the achievement gap.

January 24, 2012