One of the most controversial issues in education today, is how do we measure student growth, and is it through teacher evaluations? Standardized testing is an age-old way to measure student "growth" and see if a student is improving throughout the school year. Although the data collected from these tests are limited, there are far better ways to measure student growth than just though reading and math. To see a real growth in learning, evaluation systems should use multiple measures to check for student achievement. Standardized testing can be one component of a students assessment, along with a variety of other measures throughout the individuals school years.

How can we evaluate teachers based on the narrow results of standardized tests? Research has shown that, although teachers have a direct impact on student achievement, teachers should also be evaluated on multiple measures of their performance, not just their students test scores. President Obama's goal is for teachers to make every one of their students "college ready" by the time they get out of school. If we incorporate a variety of measures to promote student achievement, and evaluate students and teachers based on more than just a test score, I think we will accomplish Obama's goal.

Where do you stand on using student performance to evaluate teachers? What ways do you measure and promote student growth in your classroom? Feel free to comment here or see what other teachers are saying in the education forum.

• Simple Ways Teacher's Can Measure and Promote Student Achievement

Memorial day weekend is usually associated with kicking the summer off by hosting a backyard barbeque, watching a local parade or decorating your house with American flags. Although these traditional ways of celebrating this national holiday may be fun, young children may misinterpret the main reason we actually celebrate this holiday. Children may correlate this day with no school, playing in the yard and watching a parade.

This Memorial Day, help your students understand why we observe this holiday, and why we to pay tribute to the soldiers that have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Teach your students to instill pride for our nation's soldiers by creating a few age-appropriate Memorial Day activities.

What is your favorite activity or book to read to your students on Memorial Day? Comment below or in the teacher forum.

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This week is National Children's Book Week , it's a national celebration that goes from May 7th to May 13th. During this week, schools and libraries across the coast will participate in book-related events and activities. To get your students involved in this time-honored celebration, have them participate by creating a few fun book-related activities.

What are some things you do in your classroom during book week? Please feel free to share your ideas here in the comment section below or in see what other teachers are doing in the teacher's forum.

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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This is a week to honor, celebrate and give thanks to all educators for all of their hard work and dedication. Sometimes just saying a simple thank you is enough to warm the hearts of our teachers. While other times, you can take a more valuable approach and say thank you in a bigger, more elaborate way.

Teachers may not always see the impact they have on students, so to get you inspired, I have compiled a list of ideas to show your appreciation to a teacher that has made a difference. Whether you are an administrator, teacher or student here you will find a variety of simple ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.

How do you celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week? Please respond here or see what others are saying in the teachers forum.

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