Deborah Loewenberg Ball talks to Bridge magazine about “watered down” teacher evaluation legislation

In a story posted today, Bridge magazine examines proposed state legislation on teacher evaluations that significantly departs from recommendations by a council led by Deborah Loewenberg Ball. The Michigan Council for Educator Effectiveness recommended rigorous statewide standards, but pending legislation ignores the council’s recommendations in favor of local district control over teacher accountability. Ball says the legislation is “disappointing” and “makes no sense.” Read the Bridge story here, and a Q&A with Ball here.

Deborah Loewenberg Ball receives honorary degree from Lesley University and medal for distinguished service from Teachers College

Deborah Loewenberg Ball received an honorary degree from Lesley University in Boston and addressed graduates from the university's Graduate School of Education at their commencement May 16. Ball began by saying that in being present at the commencement, she is "reminded again of the power of education, and also the power people have. Education hones that power and refines it. There is nothing that moves me more. Be a force out there. Be an educator and agent for justice."

She talked to graduates not only about what they have done, but also about what she hopes they will do. They have already made an impact on faculty and fellow students, she said, "enriching them with their expertise and perspective. You're prepared to contribute in new ways.”

In addition, Ball received the Teachers College Medal for Distinguished Service at TC's convocation May 18. The award is given to scholars who have highlighted critical issues in research and practice and championed strategies for change. Ball was honored at the college's first Master's Degree Ceremony on Monday afternoon, May 18. Teachers College, Columbia University is the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States.

Ball also addressed graduating students in TC's Departments of Arts & Humanities and Curriculum & Teaching. "The evidence is clear. The order for social justice in this country is long, tall, and overdue. Just remember that among the resources for that societal change is the power of teaching."

Interview and essay by Deborah Loewenberg Ball on Michigan Radio website

Deborah Loewenberg Ball has contributed the essay “We will pay for our lack of respect for teachers” to Michigan Radio’s The Next Idea, in which she notes the crucial nature of effective teacher training. “The time is now. The future of our nation depends on every student in every classroom receiving skillful teaching every day. This is a fundamental civil right of every child,” she said. Read the essay, and listen to an interview with Ball on Stateside with Cynthia Canty, here.

Council led by Deborah Loewenberg Ball cited in Michigan Radio story on teacher evaluations

In an interview with Michigan Radio, State Board of Education President John Austin credited work by the Michigan Council for Educator Effectiveness, which was led by Deborah Loewenberg Ball, for establishing a foundation for creating a new system of teacher evaluations. Austin mentioned Ball and the council for a series of recommendations the council made in a report to the state legislature in 2013 that could influence a new statewide system of evaluating educators. The interview with Austin, “How should teachers be evaluated in Michigan?” is part of Michigan Radio’s “Learning to Teach” series. Access the interview here.

Deborah Loewenberg Ball quoted in San Jose Mercury News

A story in the San Jose Mercury News on what teachers, teacher educators, and others in education have said about the U.S. proposal to toughen regulation of teacher-training programs includes a quote from Deborah Loewenberg Ball: "What if airplane pilots said, 'my first three years were a wreck'? We worry about the safety of people at the hands of these other professions. Why don't we worry about children being at the hands of an adult, even a well-meaning adult, who doesn't know what he or she is doing?" Read the story here.

Deborah Loewenberg Ball mentioned in Detroit News column

In a column by Ingrid Jacques in The Detroit News, Deborah Loewenberg Ball is mentioned in connection with her work as chair of the Michigan Council for Educator Effectiveness. The editorial, “Finish work on teacher evaluations,” urges state legislators to develop policies that school districts can use to evaluate teachers. Read the editorial here.

Deborah Loewenberg Ball interviewed on Boston Public Radio

In a story on WGBH News, a Boston public radio station, Deborah Loewenberg Ball commented on “Rethinking the Way Higher Ed Trains Teachers.” She noted, “Obviously there are programs that prepare people well for teaching. Overall, as a nation, we grossly under-prepare people for this work and the fact that it's so variable and often quite minimal compared to other occupations is shameful." Read the story (or listen to the audio) on WGBH’s website here.