Fair Lawn Schools Using New Teacher Evaluation System

Fair Lawn School officials have been busy this summer preparing to institute a new teacher evaluation system mandated by state law.

Gov. Chris Christie signed a law last year which requires all of the New Jersey's school districts to adopt a new state-approved teacher evaluation system starting in the upcoming school year.

The new evaluations focus more on teachers' ability to have students reach growth objectives, with goals being set based on an assessment of student performance taken at the beginning of the year.

Superintendent Bruce Watson and other district officials have been working with teachers to explain the new system and prepare them to use it when schools open next week.

"It's a tremendous undertaking and I think we've done quite well," Watson said.

Fair Lawn Schools are using the Stronge system, according to Watson. The system is one of 17 approved by state officials.

School officials have also been readying for other aspects of the new year, including a recent orientation for new teachers and district-wide facilities prep.

"By opening day, all the schools will be as clean and shiny as we want them to be," Watson said. "They will be safe and secure."

Fair Lawn Schools open September 9.