The Poll
The Million Dollar Question ~
Malloy's new plan would provide tenure to teachers after two-and-a-half years only if they earn exemplary grades on two teacher evaluations, based largely on student achievement. Teachers can also earn tenure in 4 years with three proficient evaluations.
My students will never do well on the mandated grade level Connecticut Mastery Tests. My evaluations are done by a principal who wants to replace me with a new hire (along with everyone my age). I am on the top of the salary scale, but won't be able to retire for another 20 years, because I started late and need to work for 35 years to receive full benefits.
I'm still a teacher in my mid-50's. I will receive good points from my co-workers. But student achievement results and evaluations from my principal will get me canned. Guaranteed.
(P.S. I've had excellent reviews for every year I've worked - but this is a true story).
What do you think?
Should teachers have to re-earn tenure once they've earned it?
Yes.
Tenure was supposed to protect teachers from administrative political reprisals, but instead it protects too many bad teachers. Teachers should have to prove they're doing a good job to keep doing it.
No.
Tenure protects teachers from arbitrary firings. Without tenure, school systems will save money by getting rid of better-paid tenured teachers and keeping cheaper new teachers.
Yes.
It's refreshing that Gov. Malloy is proposing this long overdue reform. The question is whether the mostly Democratic legislature will have the guts to pass it.
No.
Why not get rid of tenure altogether? What's the point of granting it in the first place if it has to be re-earned?
No.
This is a ploy to get rid of tenure altogether. What's the point of granting it in the