Rhode Island gets the Gist  We predicted that Deborah Gist would
bring her hard-knock reformer skills to Rhode Island, possibly
manifesting in an overhaul of that state's timeworn, ineffectual
teacher evaluation system. This seems to be exactly what she
plans to do. In a move somewhat reminiscent of Gist and D.C.
Chancellor Michelle Rhee's Plan B, the Ocean State's board of
regents recently approved a new slate of teacher evaluation
requirements. Most school systems will be starting from scratch,
as today they not only have no consequences for ineffective
educators (or rewards for effective ones), but also review their
instructors so infrequently as to make evaluations near-
meaningless. Under the new Rhode Island standards, districts are
required to revamp evaluation systems to include classroom
observation, student performance, and outside input (like parent
and student surveys), and to conduct evaluations at least
annually. The changes will go into effect mostly in fall 2010,
though some districts are waiti