The Post is reporting that the District of Columbia fired 98 teachers who had low scores on the IMPACT evaluation.
IMPACT grades teachers on their abilities, time management, and some are graded on their students' standardized test scores. Teachers who get ranked "ineffective" this year or "minimally effective" for the last two years are fired.
Nearly 1000 teachers were rated "highly effective," making them eligible for bonuses of up to $25,000.
The IMPACT evaluation is a remnant of the Michelle Rhee era of D.C. Public Schools. Although Rhee left D.C. after voters refused to re-elect Mayor Adrian Fenty, her then-second-in-command Kaya Henderson has continued many of Rhee's policies in her role as chancellor of schools.
Last year, teachers protested the IMPACT evaluation -- complaining that it doesn't allow latitude for teachers in challenging classrooms. Revisions in the last year, like more flexibility for young teachers who may need time to improve, have made it more palatable to the Washington Teachers Union.
