Why all the fuss over teacher evaluations this year? Remember they were a big point of contention in teachers’ rejection of the latest contract proposal, and they count for a lot of points in Hawaii’s Race to the Top grant.

“This is about helping teachers to improve their craft so they can make a difference for our students,” Schatz says. “Not giving teachers feedback is like a coach not helping players with their moves so they can win the game.

“If we can’t get in the classroom and help them know what they’re doing well, how they can improve, know what impact they’re having on students and student achievement, we’re not giving them the chance to succeed like we know they want to.”