Brevard teachers say new evaluation program not working

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County schools recently launched a new computer system for evaluating teacher performance. But, as Channel 9's Melonie Holt learned, teachers can't get the system to work.

On Monday the Brevard Federation of Teachers told Holt that wrestling with the system has cost teachers time they should have been focusing on the classroom.

"It's not working. It's clearly not working," said Richard Smith, president of the Brevard Federation of Teachers.

After weeks of complaints, Brevard County Schools has delayed implementation of Pinpoint, a computer system designed to help evaluate and track teacher performance.

"Teachers instead of teaching, teachers instead of planning to teach and  coming up with exciting lesson plans are trying to hack this program, and now having to go back and print it and hand it to the principal," said Smith.

Smith said Senate Bill 736, forced the district to try something. It links performance to how teachers are paid and retained.

"I tip my hat to the district. It's not like they said, 'Power through,' said Smith.

Some parents still wonder what impact all this self-evaluation is having on classroom teachers.

"I think it's doing a lot to hurt teacher's morale," said parent Misty Belford.

Pinpoint is just part of the district's learning management system. The cost is $3 million over five years. It's being paid for with a Race to the Top grant. The district said it's working with the contractor on "the fix." any additional costs are under negotiation.

"Race to the Top money was supposed to support instruction, right now it's preventing instruction," said Smith.

WFTV