Wrap: Education department assistant commisioner Karla Elsinger testifed before the joint education committee that individual teachers make the biggest difference in Missouri's schools. 

But Elsinger said schools are not getting the information they need to best evaluate teacher performance. A department pilot program this year will look to find what evidence schools should be gathering to track teachers in a comprehensive manner.                               

Seventy schools are participating in the program thus far this year, and the results will be used to develop a permanent program beginning next school year.

From the state Capitol, I'm Nick Thompson

Wrap: A new state pilot program in effect this fall will reinforce the expectations of teachers at different stages in their careers.

It will identify the evidence schools need to be observing to track teacher performance.

Karla Elsinger,an assistant education commisioner in the office of educator quality says schools are not doing enough.