◼ Fix the teacher evaluation system to make it developmental rather than punitive by removing state testing data, changing “effectiveness” labels, ensuring educator voice in the process and providing due process for evaluation appeals.

◼ Streamline and minimize assessment requirements to reduce both time spent and high-stakes assigned to standardized testing.

◼ Take advantage of freedom provided by new federal law by eliminating dated, Michigan-specific requirements around frequency of testing, evaluation requirements and accountability systems.

In the words of MEA Members:

“The existing legislation surrounding teacher evaluation must be fixed. It is punitive for teachers. At least decrease the amount/percentage that student scores on standardized testing play a role on a teacher’s yearly evaluation.”
Krista Anderson, Brandon

“State standardized testing is not useful or informative information for teachers, it eats up a lot of instructional time between teaching students how to test to actual test-taking, and it is not equitable or accessible to whole swaths of students.”
Melissa Villanueva, Ann Arbor

Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023:
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Student Academic Support
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Evaluation & Testing
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Collective Bargaining & Job Security Rights
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Educator Compensation
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Public Education Funding