Chester at MASC / MASS

Commissioner Chester spoke after Secretary Reville
It is "not often the case that we realize how well thought of we are" around the country and internationally
Last year, Chester said

1. support teacher development
2. support curriculum and instruction
3. accountability and assistance
4. student and family supports

are his priorities and those of the state department. He's impressed at how well those four line up with the priorities of the Obama administration under RTTT (notable exception: no mention in RTTT about student and family supports)

He calls RTTT an "unprecendented opportunity" from the fed; "dollars are substantial, potentially substantial"

He says he's "recruiting YOU" (superintendents and school committee members) to get on board with this--money will not flow as entitlements, has to be earned

"you are going to have to make a commitment" (at which point I heard muttered, "where's your commitment to us?")

Measures of "effectiveness" rather than qualifications of teachers--qualifications aren't a good predictor. "very interested in looking at test scores when we have them" also "principals rating teachers, superintendents rating principals, and, in high schools, students rating teachers"

(yes, you read that last part right)

part of an improvement strategy

not all districts have to participate; more money for the rest

"to be treated as professionals is to get honest feedback," he says, using himself as an example of someone who is a professional who gets honest feedback

Leaves us with this proverb: "when the water hole goes dry, the animals start to look at one another differently"