New Jersey Assembly Bill A2405

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Prohibits State Board of Education from requiring student growth objectives to evaluate teachers.

Impact

If enacted, A2405 would significantly change how teacher performance is measured, allowing for a potentially broader set of evaluation criteria that do not depend on standardized growth metrics. Opponents of the bill argue that SGOs are crucial for accountability and measuring effective teaching practices that directly benefit student learning. Proponents assert that removing the requirement for SGOs could create a more holistic approach to teacher evaluations, focusing on qualitative measures rather than strictly quantitative metrics.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2405 aims to alter the evaluation framework for teachers within New Jersey schools by prohibiting the State Board of Education from requiring the use of student growth objectives (SGOs) in teacher evaluations. Currently, SGOs are utilized as a significant component in assessing teacher performance, comprising 15% to 50% of their overall evaluation based on student progress aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This legislation seeks to eliminate this requirement, which has been a topic of debate in educational circles.

Contention

The discussion around A2405 reflects a larger debate within education policy regarding the balance between quantitative assessments and qualitative evaluations in determining teacher effectiveness. Some educators and stakeholders are concerned that eliminating SGOs may lead to a lack of consistency and accountability in teacher assessments, potentially undermining efforts to enhance educational quality. Conversely, supporters of A2405 emphasize the need for flexibility in evaluation methods and the importance of recognizing diverse teaching methodologies.