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Most state reform statues have established hasty timetables for the implementation of new teacher-evaluation systems — timetables all states are struggling to meet. HPAds.adSonar(1523709,2259768,300,250); adsonar_placementId=1523709;adsonar_pid=2259768;adsonar_ps=-1;adsonar_zw=300;adsonar_zh=250;adsonar_jv="ads.tw.adsonar.com";Still, arguably the biggest challenge posed by these mandated evaluation reforms is that the majority of teachers do not teach in tested subjects or grades, and as a result standardized student achievement data is not available to be used in their ratings.

Furthermore, states must concentrate on providing what districts cannot, and education agencies should adjust their implementation timelines to align with the needs and resources of their particular state. Lastly, states must think long term about how to provide administrators with the training, technical expertise and field experience needed to address the current human-capital challenges affiliated with teacher evaluation reform. Loading Slideshow School Supplies<strong>91 percent</strong> of teachers buy basic school supplies for their students.Food<strong>2 in 3</strong> teachers <strong>(67%)</strong> purchase food or snacks to satisfy the basic nutritional needs of their students -- even ones who are already enrolled in their schools' free or reduced-price meal program. Clothing<strong>1 in 3</strong> teachers purchase clothing for children, including jackets, hats and gloves <strong>(30%)</strong> or shoes and shoe laces <strong>(15%)</strong>.Toothbrushes<strong>18 percent</strong> of teachers purchase personal care items, such as toothbrushes and sanitary products.Hygiene ProductsNearly <strong>1 in 3</strong> teachers <strong>(29%)</strong> purchase items such as toilet paper and soap that their school cannot provide enough of due to budget cuts. Field Trips<strong>More than half</strong> of all teachers have paid the costs of field trips for students who couldn't afford to participate otherwise.Alarm Clocks<strong>Several teachers</strong> reported purchasing alarm clocks for students. Due to work schedules or family circumstances, guardians were unable to wake their children for school, which led to absences and academic underperformance. Teacher Spending On Students1 of 8 Hide ThumbnailsAlamyNext Share TweetFullscreen1 of 8Play AllSchool Supplies91 percent of teachers buy basic school supplies for their students. Like Dislike8 Points10 likes, 2 dislikesAdvertisement× #hp-slideshow-wrapper-246322 .hp-slideshow-wrapper-loading-div{ font-family:Arial

Armed with nearly $100 billion in education aid from the 2009 economic-stimulus package passed by Congress, Secretary Duncan used $4 billion to entice states into embracing common standards, charter schools, and teacher evaluations tied to student test scores through his Race to the Top contest.

He's advanced that general platform more recently by granting states waivers from compliance with many of the core tenets of the NCLB law if they adopt the Obama administration's preferred improvement ideas—even as education research paints a mixed picture about whether such measures as charter schools and merit pay have much effect on student learning.