On November 14, 2024, NJPSA Executive Director Karen Bingert joined Superintendent David Aderhold, (West Windsor Plainsboro school district) and Elisabeth Yucis, NJEA Associate Director of Professional Development and Instruction Issues at a special hearing of the Assembly Education Committee. The committee’s focus was the Educator Evaluation Task Force Report that was issued on September 30, 2024. The Task Force was created by legislation introduced last December, to put a one year moratorium on the development of new SGOs by tenured teachers to allow the Task Force to meet and develop recommendations for changes in the educator evaluation process in New Jersey schools.
Task Force Chair David Aderhold started the discussion by reviewing the work of the Task Force, its processes and the strong consensus developed during the discussion of issues as the Task Force completed its work. Yucis presented the perspective of teachers on the SGO process, teacher observation process and the recommendations of the Task Force for modifications in our current approach. Bingert spoke of the dual role of principals, assistant principals, and supervisors in the evaluation process as both evaluator and employee. She shared NJPSA members’ concerns and priorities for changes to the evaluation process. This group then collectively reviewed the 15 specific recommendations for change contained in the Task Force Report.
Legislators responded favorably to the Task Force Report and its recommendations. Next steps include the creations of a NJDOE Working Group to bring the key recommendations to life through potential regulatory changes and NJDOE guidance. As changes to the regulations will take time, NJPSA and our colleagues on the Task Force are seeking an extension on the moratorium on the development of new SGOs next school year while the regulatory review process takes place. Legislation to achieve this goal is being drafted and will likely be introduced for consideration in December.
NJPSA will continue to advocate on your behalf on this important issue. Your Government Relations team will keep you advised of any new developments.