New Haven school faculty grades go up

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- This is the second year that teachers and administrators are being graded under a new system and their ratings have gone up.

The grades are now out for 1,600 New Haven educators.

"I think the second year results showed we have a sustainable program, we have a real program which is actually accomplishing what we set out to do," said Garth Harries, Assistant Superintendent.

So, what's the scale? "Exemplary" is the best, "effective" is middle of the road, and "needs improvement" is an F.

In 2012, 90 percent were effective or better. That's up 15 percent from the previous year.

"We want it to be consequential, that's in addition to it being fair and developmental," said Harries. "It's not just about being consequential."

In regards to those who aren't doing so well, this year two percent needed improvement. That's down from three percent from last year.

However, Harries says they will bring in extra help for those teachers, just like their students. They don't want to see anyone fail.

"We want to make sure that our best teachers stay and stay in the classroom and continue to develop throughout the course of their career," Harries said.

Mayor DeStefano says the evaluations are just one aspect of a bigger plan.

"With the goal of closing the achievement gap, cutting the drop out rate in half and being sure that our kids are both prepared and have the financial resources to get to college," Mayor DeStefano said.

Also worth mentioning is that half of teachers are satisfied with the process. They're running about 2 to 1 in favor of the system, feedback the assistant superintendent says he's satisfied with.