How do you measure the worth of a teacher?

New York's subjective, Pass/Fail teacher evaluation system is wearing out. But the State Education Department is itching on the starting blocks, ready to sprint ahead with a re-energized system that's set to "Go" on July 1, 2011.

For a long time, all New York teachers could expect from a yearly evaluation was a basic thumbs up or thumbs down. But teachers and principals can expect new letters on their annual report cards; instead of just S or U, they could see:

• H (highly effective)
• E (effective)
• D (developing)
• I (ineffective)

20% of this grade will be based on the standardized tests, with the focus on students' academic growth rather than just their raw scores. Two other components are locally developed assessment (20%) and classroom evaluation (30%).

According to a Daily Gazette editorial, "Some good and bad in State Ed's teacher evaluation system," even third parties can tell a good teacher. Does the teacher control the classroom? Master the subjects? Engage the students? The writers of the editorial hope the new system will improve education in New York: better teachers get better pay; struggling teachers get help; terrible teachers get replaced—all of which help students. 

Implementing the plan for new standards was a condition of New York winning $700 million in the Race to the Top initiative. Visit the State Ed's website to read more or submit your opinions on the new system. And tell us what you think in the poll on the right.

*Photo courtesy of disciplineproject.com/