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The statewide web-based interactive panel discussion will focus on educators’ effectiveness.

KINGSTON – Educators, administrators and the general public are slated to gather in the third floor of the Luzerne Intermediate Unit headquarters on Tioga Avenue tonight, though it shouldn’t get too crammed. The LIU is the local host for a statewide virtual “town hall meeting” on teacher effectiveness.

“We expect more than 1,000 people attending at about 30 sites,” predicted Joan Benso, president of the non-profit Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, which organized the event.

A web-based, interactive panel discussion featured state Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis is set to run 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The main topic is proposed changes to the state-mandated teacher evaluation process.

Currently teachers are evaluated primarily through classroom observation that can happen as infrequently as once a year, and are rated either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Gov. Tom Corbett has highlighted what he considers proof the system is inadequate: More than 99 percent of teachers are rated satisfactory.

The state began piloting a new evaluation system in a few districts last year, and is expanding that this year to more than 100 Local Education Agencies, an umbrella term encompassing districts, charter schools, intermediate units and career centers.

The new system includes student performance on tests as part of the evaluation, and rates teachers into four categories rather than two.

“At the partnership, we believe student performance has to be a component measured in multiple ways to be included in teacher evaluations,” Benso said.

The goal is to create a more nuanced evaluation system that helps make better teachers. Districts will be able to pinpoint weaknesses and give teachers the help they need to improve. Benso said the new system should also make it easier to match a teacher’s assignment to that person’s strengths and expertise.

“The goal is to improve teaching,” Benso said, citing research that shows having a highly effective teacher can substantially increase a student’s academic success.

Tonight’s event is timely because a new bill was just introduced into the state House of Representatives that mandates the change to a new evaluation system. Benso said the Partnership agrees with the general goals, but believes the bill needs “substantial” amendment.

Tonight’s event in the LIU building at 368 Tioga Ave. is open to the public, LIU Executive Director Hal Bloss said, though room is limited to about 100 people.