D.C. School System Fires 413 Ineffective Teachers; System Lavishly Rewards Highly Effective Teachers

The Washington Times website reports that the D.C. public school system laid off 413 teachers today (July 15, 2011) for failing to meet expectations in its teacher-evaluation system, or falling short of other requirements.

Chancellor Kaye Henderson said most of the teachers were fired based on the results of the IMPACT evaluation system. The IMPACT system -- introduced two years ago -- uses five observations and student achievement ratings to place teachers into four categories: Highly Effective, Effective, Minimally Effective, or Ineffective.

Teachers who rate in the top category are eligible for bonuses, while those in the bottom two face separation from the school system.

Henderson said that 230 teachers were rated highly effective, thus making them eligible for a salary increase of up to $20,000, in addition to a bonus of up to $25,000. She emphasized that "the teaching job has changed dramatically," because technology and the life skills needed to be successful have altered learning requirements.