Jones, Ybarra Urge Caution On Plan

Jana Jones, left, and Sherri Ybarra both urge a cautious approach to a teacher licensing proposal that has drawn fire from the state’s teachers union. Jones, a Democrat, and Ybarra, a Republican, both labeled the issue “complex” and called for a slow, deliberate process to consider the proposal and public reaction. In August, the State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to the new system of certification and licensure . The proposed rule, available to review online , essentially creates two tiers of teacher certification – as well as other subgroups including professional, master and contingent designations. A teacher’s ability to obtain and renew certification would hinge on several factors, including teacher evaluations performed locally; student growth; and the teacher’s ability to meet performance standards. Since May, the Idaho Education Association has opposed tying teacher licenses to local evaluations . Ybarra and Jones took slightly different stances on the proposal/ Kevin Richert , IdahoED NEWS. More here.

Question: We haven’t talked much about the teacher licensing proposal. Thoughts?