Last but not least on TN, the NYT published three letters to the editor in response to its editorial praising the state's new teacher evaluation system: from former Sen. Frist (below), one from a Democratic legislator obviously in the union's pocket, and one that's just what would be expected from an ed school prof (dopey):

To the Editor:

Re "Tennessee's Push to Transform Schools" (editorial, Nov. 12):

A meaningful evaluation system that identifies and supports great teaching is a cornerstone of Tennessee's work to improve public education. Stakeholders outside of government and the education establishment have a special role to play in this transformative work. One such statewide entity is the citizen-led State Collaborative on Reforming Education, or Score.

Research shows that an effective teacher is the No. 1 school-based factor in improving student achievement. In 2009, Score recommended that Tennessee develop, pilot and roll out a statewide teacher evaluation system based on multiple measures, including student achievement and growth, to identify and support effective teaching. With the system now being put in place, our commitment to its implementation with fidelity must not waver.

Driving reform in both the State Capitol and the local schoolhouse is no easy task. Working to improve and shape the evaluation system through robust feedback from teachers and administrators is critical, and Tennessee's leaders have shown a willingness to learn from this feedback. Our children deserve our continued dedication to the important work at hand.

WILLIAM H. FRIST
Nashville, Nov. 15, 2011

The writer, the United States Senate majority leader from 2003 to 2007, is the chairman of Score.

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November 25, 2011

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opinion/tennessees-teacher-evaluation-system.html