Morning Bell: Teacher Evaluations, IPS Bus Conflict, Classroom Technology

Evaluating teachers will come at a cost for principals and parents – “Now add the responsibility of evaluating or overseeing the evaluation of every teacher in their building, and it’s clear that the principal’s role is set to take a sharp turn in the 2012-13 school year.” Lafayette Journal and Courier

All IPS buses will show up for work Monday after emergency meeting – “The meeting occurred after 80 Durham bus drivers didn’t show up for work Friday afternoon, affecting 200 routes and about 12,000 students, according to a statement on IPS’ website.” Indianapolis Star

New Tech breathes new enthusiasm in Gary classrooms – “The kids can use their cell phones in their studies, though. The students successfully appealed the School Board’s 1997 ban of cell phones after showing board members a snazzy video that explained how they could use the devices in their learning. The board approved the use under a pilot program this year, Goodes said.” Gary Post-Tribune

Hammond teacher worried about increasing class sizes – “Tracey Moyers, who teaches sixth-grade math at the middle school, said it’s possible there will be 30 to 35 students per class this fall.” The Times of Northwest Indiana

Smaller School Districts Might Not Reach Race To The Top’s Starting Line – “The rules for the latest round of the Race To The Top grant program, offering school districts the chance to apply directly for a slice of $400 million in federal funds, could make it difficult – if not impossible – for many of them to even have a shot at prize.” The Educated Reporter