Press Releases

On Wednesday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m., the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), will hold a hearing entitled, "Education Reforms: Exploring Teacher Quality Initiatives." The full committee hearing will take place in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building. 

Student success is directly tied to the quality of classroom instruction. Historically, a teacher’s perceived efficacy has been heavily based on his or her experience. However, research has shown teachers with a high level of experience may not always be the most adept at improving student achievement in the classroom.

Across the country, state and local school districts are exploring ways to encourage and support more effective teachers in their classrooms. States such as Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee have successfully implemented innovative practices to evaluate teachers based on the performance of their students. While there can be no one-size-fits-all solution to attracting and retaining highly effective teachers, examples at the state and local level provide the foundation for legislative efforts to improve teacher quality.

As the committee continues advancing proposals to reform the nation’s education system, Wednesday’s hearing will examine state and local efforts to support more effective teachers. To learn more about this hearing, visit www.republicans-edlabor.house.gov/hearings.

 

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WITNESS LIST

Mr. Kevin S. Huffman
Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Education
Nashville, TN

Mr. Tom Boasberg
Superintendent
Denver Public Schools
Denver, CO

Mr. David Cicarella
President
New Haven Federation of Teachers
New Haven, CT

Ms. Kate Walsh
President
National Council on Teacher Quality
Washington, D.C.