catalyst-chicago.org

Illinois is not alone in the recent changes it has made to teacher evaluations. Several other Midwestern states are taking similar steps. But a new analysis by nonprofit education consulting group Learning Point Associates has found that “most of the states do not have a cohesive, intentional system for developing, recruiting and retaining effective teachers and school leaders.”

Illinois is not alone in the recent changes it has made to teacher evaluations. Several other Midwestern states are taking similar steps. But a new analysis by nonprofit education consulting group Learning Point Associates has found that “most of the states do not have a cohesive, intentional system for developing, recruiting and retaining effective teachers and school leaders.”

States do not invest much time or effort assessing their programs’ results, the analysis found, and supports for principal recruitment and retention lag behind those for teachers.

“Although six of the seven states have established standards for principals, the number and scope of policies aimed at improving the quality of school leadership is limited...  there are few initiatives aimed at improving the recruitment, hiring, induction, working conditions, or compensation for principals despite evidence that these factors strongly influence decisions to become school leaders,” the group said in a news release. See a Catalyst update on new state standards for principals here.  — Rebecca Harris, Catalyst

Shannon Christian became director of the Illinois Office of Early Childhood Development on Monday. Before joining the office, she was responsible for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Care Bureau for almost 5 years. She has previously worked in Wisconsin state government and “provided consulting services in early childhood issues,” according to an announcement sent to the Illinois Early Learning Council.

Juvenile arrest records thought to be secret resurface later to trip up young adults, WBEZ reports in its juvenile justice series.

In the state

Oak Park Elementary District 97 Superintendent Al Roberts will meet with parents and neighbors at all 10 schools the next two months. Roberts will be available for about 90 minutes to discuss issues such as district finances, the state of the schools and new technology. Staff, parents, guardians and neighbors without children are all welcome to attend. (Trib Local)

For the 15th consecutive year, the Schaumburg Community Consolidated School District 54 Board of Education passed a balanced budget. (Daily Herald)

Parents in Community Consolidated School District 59 will soon be able to access student grades and assignments on line. Instead of manually filling out a report card, teachers now enter grades into a program called Skyward, an electronic grade book that links directly with the report card. (Trib Local)

In the nation

Education Secretary Arne Duncan answers questions by New York Times writer Deborah Solomon for a special issue on education and technology.

Milwaukee Public Schools chooses Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Curriculum to improve literacy. (press release)

Washington D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee made it clear that she has no long-term interest in serving under a new mayor, following the defeat Tuesday of Mayor Adrian Fenty, who hired her. (The Washington Post)