BALTIMORE — The debate over how teachers should be evaluated may change in Baltimore City.
The district claims that the observation system in place doesn’t reflect a teacher’s day-to-day performance.
Currently principals can come in at any time for an informal observation which is used for coaching and development.
The Baltimore City Teachers Union is against the potential policy change that would allow principals and administrators unannounced formal observations
Teachers Union president Diamonte Brown said that “surprise” observations that impact salary and certification don't exist in other districts.
“When we’re being formally observed we should be given a heads up so that we can properly prepare,” said Brown. “We currently have the opportunity to have a pre-observation that we meet with our qualified observer so that we can discuss what we’re looking for. More importantly so that I can tell my qualified observer any of the things that I specifically want to grow on so that observer knows what to look for and how to guide me.”
The school board will vote on the issue on August 27.
