HSTA Trying to Worm out of Evaluations

Dave Shapiro, January 19, 2014: ...Senate Ways and Means Chairman David Ige rained rhetorical bombs on the Department of Education for what he called a "Cadillac" system to evaluate teacher performance, while Luke rudely interrupted a DOE official who tried to respond.

Teacher evaluations are key to improving our schools; they were promised by the DOE when it obtained a $75 million federal Race to the Top grant and were agreed to by the teachers in their last contract.

If by "Cadillac" Ige means a rigorous program to fairly evaluate teachers so DOE can reward the best, help the lagging and weed out the hopeless, that's exactly what needs doing.

Let's hope the legislative carping isn't a sign that teachers are trying to worm out of evaluations they agreed to in order to get pay raises, just as they once before reneged on drug tests they agreed to in order to get pay raises.

Suspicious minds will note that the Hawaii State Teachers Association is one of the biggest donors to Hawaii political campaigns -- and Ige needs its support in his underdog run for governor.

read ... Overbearing legislators are tarnishing their images

News Release:  Ige: Polls, Endorsements Show Momentum

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HSTA RECOMMENDS DAVID IGE FOR GOVERNOR

News Release from HSTA February 16, 2014

The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) has announced its recommendation of David Ige for Governor of the State of Hawaii.

“While a member of the Hawaii State Legislature, David Ige has always been a strong supporter of public education and public school teachers, and he has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving Hawaii’s educational system in ways that support student learning and the development of the teaching profession in our state,” said HSTA President Wil Okabe.

“I am deeply honored and want to thank the HSTA and our public school teachers for this recommendation. I feel this endorsement recognizes my continuous commitment to education and the thousands of public school teachers who are tirelessly dedicated to this great state’s children,” said Gubernatorial Candidate Senator David Ige. “As governor I will work collaboratively with educators to ensure the best future for our students, and prepare a strong workforce for Hawaii.”

Senator David Ige, currently the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, served as the chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Technology from 1999-2000 and the House Committee on Education from 1993-1994. His wife Dawn has been a public school teacher and currently is a vice principal. They have three children who today are all in college.

“David Ige has led the charge to allocate funds that go directly to schools and the classroom to give students, teachers, and schools the supports and resources needed to be successful. In addition, he has introduced and helped pass legislation that provided millions of dollars in funding for school capital improvement projects, and has encouraged innovation at the school and classroom level,” added Okabe. “David Ige is the type of leader our community needs to lead our school system into the future, and HSTA is proud to recommend him for Governor.”

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First Major Endorsement: HSTA

Message to Supporters from Ige Campaign February 16, 2014 (excerpt)

...Today, the Hawaii State Teachers Association announced their endorsement of my candidacy for Governor of Hawai‘i. Wil Okabe, the president of the HSTA said in his announcement, “While a member of the Hawaii State Legislature, David Ige has always been a strong supporter of public education and public school teachers, and he has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving Hawaii’s educational system."

This could not be more true, and I am humbled and honored that the HSTA will be standing with me and our campaign. This endorsement recognizes my continuous commitment to education and the thousands of public school teachers who are tirelessly dedicated to this great state’s children, and as governor, I will work collaboratively with educators to ensure the best future for our students, and prepare a strong workforce for Hawaii....

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SA: Teachers union backs Ige over Abercrombie for governor