Teacher Evaluation To Improve Profession

Bill would signal big change for Va. teachers

Lawmakers are considering a sweeping overhaul of the contract and evaluation process for many of Virginia's 100,000 public school teachers. The measure, backed by the McDonnell administration, would extend to five years the probation period of teachers and principals before they receive a three-year contract. The House Education Committee is scheduled to take up the bill this morning. Employees would have annual evaluations, and at the end of the three-year term contract they would not automatically be renewed.