• Evaluations provide great feedback • Traffic problems not going anywhere • Sunday show times for ‘Seussical’ Evaluations provide great feedback As an administrator in Washington state, I was disheartened by the comments expressed about the pilot state evaluation system
• Evaluations provide great feedback • Traffic problems not going anywhere • Sunday show times for ‘Seussical’
Evaluations provide great feedback
As an administrator in Washington state, I was disheartened by the comments expressed about the pilot state evaluation system (’I think it has failed,’ TGI, April 3).
The new systems, which are being implemented across the country, use data from teacher observations, student achievement, as well as feedback from students and often their parents. Such feedback from customers (students/parents) is common in higher education. In my experience, many excellent teachers sought such feedback to improve their own practice, before it was ever required.
While the family circumstances and environment from which a child comes cannot be controlled, one should not blame the child, his/her parents or circumstances beyond one’s control for lack of student growth. Working together with their colleagues, teachers must create the best learning environment possible for each child with whom they have the opportunity to engage in the learning process.
Research tells us that the most important variable to student academic success is the quality of the teacher in the classroom. No one ever said a teacher’s job was easy, but it can be very rewarding. In addition, it is critical work because the students who leave the system after 12 or 13 years must have the skills and habits of mind to be productive, contributing citizens.
Every student deserves a committed, skilled teacher who can motivate them to build on their strengths and move forward academically. Every teacher deserves a strong principal and the administrative support necessary to help them meet the very diverse needs of today’s students. That includes an evaluation process that focuses on teacher growth and measures outcomes. Hopefully, any changes in the evaluation process can eliminate processes that may be time consumers with little value. But no changes should eliminate the collection of outcome data. Great teachers and principals know that they are accountable for student academic progress over time.
Marylou Murphy
Poipu
Traffic problems not going anywhere
If you were thinking that Kauai traffic problems were going to be solved anytime soon, you need to think again.
The DOT public meeting to explain the Long Range Plan identified projects that will cost an estimated $3.2 billion through 2035. Unfortunately, the plan estimates funding sources at a pitiful $0.6 billion. The Kapaa bypass road by itself would use all of the available funds.
The powerline road project providing an escape route from the North Shore in case of a tsunami isn’t mentioned in the plan.
The “capacity projects” (one of six categories of projects) add up to $1.5 billion to (mostly) widen a few highways to four lanes.
Time to think different.
John Zwiebel
Kalaheo
Sunday show times for ‘Seussical’
KPAC’s Seussical the Musical opened Wednesday to a packed house. You won’t want to miss the wonder of the music, singing, costumes, sets, and hair and make up in this show.
Seussical will play on Sunday, April 6 and 13 at 3 p.m. (not 4 p.m.) and on April 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial Convention Hall.
Tickets at the door are $10 for students and $12 for adults. Save $2 by purchasing a ticket from a cast member or from Jim Saylor Jewelers, Kapaa; Vim ‘n Vigor, Lihue; North Shore Pharmacy, Kilauea; Progressive Expressions, Koloa; Scotty’s Music, Kalaheo; and Wong’s Restaurant, Hanapepe. For more information, please call 651-2417.
KPAC is a State of Hawaii Department of Education gifted and talented program.
Tracy Murakami
KPAC advisory board member
Kapaa
