This bill amends the existing law regarding the evaluation of educators in New Jersey by eliminating the use of standardized assessments as a measure of student growth or progress in evaluations for teachers, principals, assistant principals, and vice-principals. Specifically, it removes the provision that allowed districts to use standardized tests as a factor in evaluations, stating that such assessments shall not be used at all in evaluating these educational professionals. The bill also maintains the requirement for evaluation rubrics to include multiple objective measures of student learning, but emphasizes that standardized assessments will not play a role in this process.

The bill requires that evaluation rubrics be based on various criteria, including professional standards and multiple observations of the employee throughout the school year. It mandates that the results of evaluations be used to inform instructional development and provide professional development opportunities for teaching staff. The changes aim to create a more comprehensive evaluation system that focuses on diverse measures of effectiveness rather than relying on standardized testing, which has been a contentious issue in educational assessments. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:6-123