Argus Leader, Sioux Falls. Aug. 13, 2012
• Teacher evaluations shouldn't be a threat
• It's no secret that it is difficult to measure the success of teachers, because they can inspire and mold students in so many ways.
• They teach the mysteries of math, the intricacies of science and the complexities of reading and writing. Success or failure in those subject areas traditionally have been measured with standardized testing. But many teachers also instill a love of learning, guide students into future careers, build self-confidence, watch out for their well-being and share the concern that comes from a caring adult. Those things tend to be priceless, immeasurable.
• In South Dakota, as in the rest of the states, our schools are going to attempt to rate teachers based on test scores and more. The leader of a work group coming up with a system for the state has told education leaders it is going to take time to judge teachers, the time of teachers and their administrators.
• By the 2014-15 school year, South Dakota teachers will be judged as distin