The Florida Department of Education has released individual teacher evaluation scores based on FCAT results. Jacksonville's Florida Times-Union newspaper won access to the data in a public records lawsuit.
The scores attempt to put a number on teacher performance. But Florida Department of Education spokesman Joe Follick says the figures are less than half of a teacher's total rating.
"Most of the evaluation is done at the district level by the principals and other administrators who know how their teachers are performing best", said Follick. "So it’s very important that everyone understands that this is only one part of a way to evaluate a teacher’s effectiveness"
But the agency supports rating teachers using test scores. Follick says the evaluations make sure students add at least a year's worth of learning each grade. Florida largest teacher's union says the evaluations are flawed and is challenging them in court.