I could not fairly state an amount that student achievement should count towards a teacher’s evaluation.  I do, however, believe that student input into their own educational process should be factored in.  I have far too many students who choose to take no active part in their own education.  I could be standing in front of the room with my pants on fire and they would not reach into their pocket to take out a pencil.  Student accountability needs to be discussed as much as teacher accountability.

If a student chooses to not do homework, in-class work, take tests, attend class on a regular basis, and disrupt more than participate effectively why should I be accountable for his/her score.  Don’t blame it on classroom management.  I have made every effort to reach the students, called parents, give weekly progress reports, offer tutoring, grade contracts, etc.  Followed procedures to get guidance and others involved, but no progress is being made.  Yet, it is my fault the student does not succeed in my class??? PLEASE!

I think the minimum amount that student performance should contribute to teacher evaluation should be about 25% and the maximum should be 50%.  Student performance should be measured in a pre-post manner for the given school year or course.  I think teachers should be expected to produce at least as much growth as previous teachers have with the same student.  This can get complicated as courses get more advanced or in courses that are not part of a series, but I think it could be worked out, especially with the use of pre-post measures.  I really like Dianne Abrams's weighting scheme and her differentiation scheme for students with differing levels of ability/prior performance.