U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently noted, "Teachers need and deserve more autonomy and respect--and they must become real participants and partners in reform if outcomes for children are to dramatically improve." We couldn't agree more. That's why we initiated behind-the-scenes conversations among 23 teacher leaders and U.S. Department of Education officials, including Secretary Duncan. The topic? Teaching effectiveness reforms.

Drawing on research and their classroom expertise, this group of teacher leaders issued recommendations in September 2011 for how ED can best identify, evaluate, and support effective teaching.  Teachers also highlighted promising steps that ED has taken thus far to improve teaching effectiveness. The teachers' report, "Teaching Effectiveness for the New Millennium," speaks to how teacher leaders and our nation's education policymakers could work together to advance teaching and learning.

Many of the recommendations could be implemented right away. The Department could publicly acknowledge the disconnect between current assessments and the purpose of K-12 learning. Formative assessments (which measure learning throughout the school year) and high-quality professional development could take on greater priority. ED could heighten its efforts to portray the work of teachers in a fair, accurate light.

And in the longer term, officials could make sure that future federal legislation reflects teachers' well-informed opinions. For example, funds for principal leadership could support collaboration with teacher leaders and the training of highly qualified evaluators. ED could commit to the development of hybrid roles, enabling teachers to innovate within their schools, districts, and states. And, most importantly, ED could invite teachers to take on more prominent roles in policymaking.

Online conversations included discussions with Brad Jupp, Edit Kachatryan, Scott Sargrad, Greg Schmidt, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Report co-authors are members of the Teacher Leaders Network, including many involved in CTQ's New Millennium Initiative.

Download the report here: "Teaching Effectiveness for the New Millennium"