HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54

(By Delegates Williams, Louisos, Poling, Fahey, Carmichael, Mathews, Beach, Overington, Stemple, Susman, Fox, Fragale, Canterbury, Paxton, Swartzmiller, L. Smith, Dempsey, Romine, Harrison, Hubbard, Shelton, Morgan, Perry, Shaver and Mezzatesta )


(Originating in the Committee on Education)

[February 22, 2002]


Directing the joint committee on government and finance to make a study on the processes for evaluating teachers.

Whereas, the most important factor in a quality education is the quality of the teacher in the classroom; and
Whereas, the teacher evaluation process is an important aspect of assuring quality teaching and providing guidance to improve teaching performance, particularly in the early years of a teachers career; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby directed to make a study of the processes for evaluating teachers; and be it
Further Resolved, That the study should include, but is not limited to, consideration of the following issues:
(1) The consistency of evaluations across schools and school systems;
(2) The effectiveness of the processes for improving the quality of teaching, including providing guidance on specific areas where improvement is needed and providing the appropriate support and resources needed to improve performance; and
(3) The need to place additional emphasis on evaluating the performance of less experienced teachers; and be it
Further Resolved, That the said joint committee on government and finance shall conduct the study and prepare a report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the joint committee on government and finance.