Ga. teacher's pay to be based on student evaluations

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Teachers in Georgia may see a little more in their paychecks next school year.

At the start of the 2013-2014 school year, school districts, including Savannah-Chatham County, will begin implementing a program that evaluates teacher performance.

The Teacher Keys Effectiveness System is a program that allows school administrators and students to weigh in on teacher performance.

Teachers are evaluated on their performance based on reviews and observations by administrators and surveys submitted anonymously by students.

The goal of TKES is to improve the quality of education in Georgia's schools.

Teachers' performance will be measured based on a state evaluation system.

If teachers receive a positive review, they will get a pay bonus.

Savannah-Chatham schools did a pilot of the program last year. It's part of the state's Race to the Top initiative.

School officials say it's an effective way to improve teacher performance.

"Feedback is very constructive for them, even hearing feedback from students in the survey forms. It helps the teachers on how they can get their message across to the student," says Kurt Hetager, public information officer for Savannah-Chatham schools.

How much of a bonus teachers will receive has yet to be determined.

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