After a week of committee meetings, the state Board of Education approved some minor changes in the state’s new teacher evaluation program.
The original plan under the Race to the Top had school principals conducting teacher evaluations four times per year and six times for new teachers.
Aimed at streamlining the time-consuming meetings of school principals with teachers due to the large amounts of concerns across the state, evaluations went from four to two per year.
The general response from some of the schools I visited in my district were very positive.
Shortening the number of evaluations per year especially lightened the load and brought a sigh of relief as well.
All in all, principals have told me yes there is some tweaking to be made; however it has “caused me to be more involved and in tune to what is going on in each and every one of my classrooms.”
With every new thing there are the “bumps in the road” and as Commissioner Huffman said, “The system isn’t perfect but that’s no reason not to move forward.”
With the new Photo ID law requiring all voters to show a photo at the polls, across the state last week I attended one of the numerous informative round tables at various town halls.
Hats off to the Secretary of States’ office, which provided information so as to educate the public on this very important legislation.
Also to note the state is opening 19 driver service centers on Saturday just to service those needing a photo for identification to vote.
So please get your house in order and be prepared to express your greatest right, the right to vote, come this next election cycle.
With many Veterans Day events across this state and the 40th district, I look forward seeing you this week as we all make it a point to thank the men and women who have served this country and who have paid a high price to afford us the freedoms we have today.
Still we live in a great nation and a wonderful state. Tell a soldier how much you appreciate them!!!!
        
         Blessings,
             Terri Lynn

Contact: Representative Terri Lynn Weaver
rep.terri.lynn.weaver@capitol.tn.gov