Christie wants teacher ratings tied to test scores

A task force formed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has recommended that decisions on retaining teachers and principals be linked to student test scores.

The panel suggested that when rating the effectiveness of teachers and principals, 50 percent of their evaluations be based on student achievement.

Acting Education Commissioner Chris Cerf said Thursday that will create an opportunity for improvement.

“The more that we give teachers the information about where they’re succeeding and where they’re failing, the more they can act on that information to get better, to fill the gaps, to work with colleagues,” Cerf said.

The New Jersey Education Association said tying performance reviews to standardized test scores would lead to teaching just so students can pass a test.

Christie has accused the teachers union of protecting the state’s worst teachers at the expense of students.