Teachers are eligible for annual salary increases and bonuses based on the classroom observations and student achievement.

WSJ: Bill Gates on the Importance of Measurement

Under state law, all of New York's roughly 700 school districts must develop a system for evaluating teachers based on a mix of standardized test scores, classroom observations and other measures.

WSJ: Albany Eyeing Ways to Shield Teacher Data

Connecticut is set to revamp the way it evaluates public-school teachers with a vote Wednesday that is expected to create a rating system based on student performance, classroom observations and, to a smaller extent, anonymous student and parent surveys.

WSJ: Conn. Joining Teacher Trend

In February, state officials reached an agreement with the union that allows up to 40% of a teacher's rating to be based on student test scores and 60% on other measures, such as classroom observations and, potentially, student and parent surveys.

WSJ: Conn. Joining Teacher Trend

Administrators could use the device to take notes during classroom observations, search student and teacher databases and make and receive phone calls, says Adam Garry, a Dell manager of global professional learning.

FORBES: Dell Pitching 'Streak' Tablet To Schools, Government

The project also found that using multiple measures to understand a teacher's performance -- including classroom observations, student surveys and growth in student achievement -- provides a richer and more reliable picture of a teacher's strengths and areas for improvement than any one measure alone.

CNN: Bill Gates: Invest in better teaching