John Kline: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. This amendment will eliminate the requirement, the mandate, if you will, for States…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. This amendment will eliminate the requirement, the mandate, if you will, for States and school districts to develop teacher evaluations, but does not prevent them from developing these systems if they so choose. States and local school districts are currently developing impressive and innovative teacher evaluation systems, and I applaud it. The Federal Government can support them in this endeavor, giving them the resources and the flexibility to design systems to meet their particular local and unique needs. Ultimately, Mr. Chairman, States and school districts need the flexibility to do the activities that will serve their students and teachers best. I, therefore, support the gentleman's amendment.”