A fascinating cover story from today's Washington Post about teacher evaluations underway there. It's nothing short of shocking that the teacher being evaluated in this story has clearly NEVER ONCE received ANY feedback in more than TWO DECADES in the system!

Bethel gave him the final score, which was low. If the trend continued, Harris realized, he could lose his job.

"It's just — I don't feel that I'm putting in 'minimally effective' effort at all," he said.

For Bethel, this was most excruciating part of the job. He began shutting off his computer.

"This does not measure your effort," he said, packing his bag. "But I do see your effort, Mr. Harris."

"So — what is this measuring?" Harris asked.

"It's measuring the effectiveness of that effort," Bethel said. "This is not a reflection of your passion for education, your love for students. Not at all."

Which for Harris was precisely the problem and for Bethel was part of a difficult, painful solution.

As he left, Bethel offered to help Harris with lesson planning, a gesture that would not count on Bethel's own evaluation. Harris leaned back in the little chair. He pursed his lips.

"I don't think you're being personally unfair, it's just — " he paused. "I'm going to look over it again. I know where I could improve. So. Yeah. It was nice talking to you."

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