Surrounded by members of the education community and lawmakers, Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signed into law today groundbreaking education reform for Colorado’s public schools that puts in place an evaluation method intended to weed out ineffective teachers and principals.  Noticeably absent though were representatives of the largest teachers union, the Colorado Education Association (CEA).

Ritter, in his remarks prior to signing Senate Bill 191 into law, acknowledged the attention that the bill received after it became clear the CEA would actively and publicly oppose the bill, effectively splitting democratic lawmakers who are normally united in their support of CEA concerns.  Ritter was quick to add that the relationship between the CEA and Democratic Party members runs deep.

“From the time I started running for office, the CEA has been supportive of our efforts, and, I would say, a partner in reform. I understand that they considered Senate bill 191 ‘a bridge too far’ and they couldn’t get there, but they eventually got to a place where their opposition became neutrality,” said Ritter, in reference to 11^th hour amendments to the bill that allowed the CEA to ease up on their firm opposition to the bill.

Still, the CEA says they have not formally retreated from their opposition to the bill that is now law, according to the CEA’s spokeswoman, Deborah Fallin.

“[The] CEA did not take a formal position of neutral.  We didn’t take that action.  We did not support the bill,” said Fallin, after the governor’s remarks today.

However, the CEA has taken the position that despite their opposition to the law and the protracted battle with lawmakers, they will work towards a favorable implementation of the reforms.

“Although CEA did not support the bill, we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure this law is implemented correctly,” said Fallin.

Ritter touted the measure as a positive step in the right direction that will not only benefit students, but teachers and principals as well.

The wisdom behind this bill is not a punitive bill, but a way to bring people (ineffective teachers and principals) along,” said Ritter. “We have all been blessed by an inspired teacher, and I look forward to continuing the partnership we have established with Colorado’s educators.”

Key Components of the new evaluation system:

Teachers and principals are evaluated using fair, transparent, timely, rigorous, and valid methods.

At least 50 percent of a teacher’s evaluation is determined by a combination of the academic growth of the teacher’s students.

At least 50 percent of a principal’s evaluation is determined by a combination of the academic growth of the students and demonstrated effectiveness of the teachers in the principal’s school.

Probationary teachers are defined as those without three consecutive years of demonstrated effectiveness, or a non-probationary teacher with two consecutive years of demonstrated ineffectiveness, as defined by rules adopted by the legislature.