OLYMPIA - Today, the Senate passed a bipartisan measure, Senate Bill 5895, which fills in details of an existing state mandate to move to a four-tier teacher evaluation system by 2015-16, after eight pilot programs finish testing best practices. One such pilot school is located in Anacortes.

"This new teacher evaluation system is what's good for our kids, teachers and schools," said Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. "I am proud this comprehensive package moves our current system forward while also protecting the due process rights of our teachers. We will base our new four-tiered evaluations off the great work of our pilot projects."

Prior to 2010, teachers were given either a satisfactory or unsatisfactory grade under a two-tiered system.

“The compromise passed today represents a step in the right direction for our public education system,” said Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island. “This bill gives teachers the tools they need to provide each of their students with a high quality education.”

“This bill takes research-based ideas gleaned from schools across the state, including the Anacortes School District, and takes the first few steps in reforming our system of evaluation – and it does so while helping our teachers grow professionally,” said Ranker. “An evaluation system that not only provides instructional feedback, but also helps teachers and principals develop their own professional growth program, will lead to a better learning environment for all students.”

The bill was passed with a bipartisan vote of 46-3 and now heads to the House for further consideration.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326