April 10, 2020

Gov. Holcomb Signs New Order For Teacher Evaluations, Student Teachers

Original story from   IPBS-RJC

Article origination IPBS-RJC
Schools can use observation data in teacher evaluations for this school year, as long as they were completed before classrooms switched to online learning after buildings were ordered shut.  - Zach Herndon/WTIU

Schools can use observation data in teacher evaluations for this school year, as long as they were completed before classrooms switched to online learning after buildings were ordered shut.

Zach Herndon/WTIU

Teacher evaluations have remained in limbo as school buildings have closed, but Indiana's schools now have two options to consider under a new executive order from the governor Friday.

The new order says schools can use a teacher's evaluation from last year, or conduct a new one. If it's new, they can't use test scores or observations unless those were done while classes were still meeting in person.

Schools will still conduct new evaluations for teachers on an improvement plan and teachers without an evaluation from last year. 

The order also waives the 10-week student teaching requirement for future educators, if their teacher preparation program signs off on the waiver. But teacher candidates can still finish their requirement by participating in remote learning. 

It also waives emergency drills and bus inspection requirements for this academic year, and extends a CPR training deadline for teachers.

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