Just to clear up a misconception that many assume to be true; there is no such thing as tenure in our local school systems. Instead, in Escambia County we have what is known as a “Professional Services Contract,” which is granted, with principal recommendation and School Board approval, to a teacher who is rehired for the 4th year, usually in the same school. Prior to that, teachers are on annual contract which ends at the end of every school year. Yes, some individuals who really aren’t cut out for the job are rehired, usually because it’s difficult to find qualified and willing teachers, especially in challenging or rural schools. Our contracts outline a very specific procedure for “culling bad teachers” that begins with corrective action, support and training, and multiple observations and coaching by administrators at the school and district level. If those steps are not successful, the teacher’s contract is not renewed. The union even participates in this process; it does not want “bad teachers” in the classroom either! The difficulty arises when administrators fail to follow contract procedures; the union protects the contract, not the “bad teacher.” It prevents arbitrary harassment and/or firing. We all want the same things; outstanding teachers, successful students who love learning, and a professional environment where students and teachers alike grow and learn side by side!

Take the best teacher in the county, put them in the worst school, and my bets are they will fail, and vice versa with a sorry teacher and great students!!”

I agree that many variables exist but look for example Jay HS 10th grade Math. Were the same teachers teaching both years (2010 &2 2011)? If so than lets capture what is working. With teacher unions keeping us from being able to cull poor teachers because of tenure, we can not improve our classrooms.

Now on the Science side of Jay HS, I’d look for changes to be made.

The best teachers can take even slow students and motivate them to learn more.

Observing the test this way paints a little different picture.

Would be very hard to replicate the TYPE (Social/Economic status) of students you have at each school

Take the best teacher in the county, put them in the worst school, and my bets are they will fail, and vice versa with a sorry teacher and great students!!

Molino Park PTA