Claire D'Silva is an intern at Teach For America.

Five links that made us think this week.

The conversation about teacher evaluations continues: Vicki Phillips of the Gates Foundation says that multiple-measure evaluations can help teachers improve their practices; Anthony Cody responds and says it’s time to stop obsessing over test scores and start creating conditions that will allow teachers to grow.

Take three stellar actresses (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Holly Hunter) and add a dose of real events: what results is a new film about two mothers trying to transform a failing inner city high elementary school. Check out the trailer for Won’t Back Down.

If you’re interested in education and sports, then take the time to read this long and fascinating article about the new NCAA eligibility standards. Consider this: 43% of NCAA men's basketball players in 2009-10 would be ineligible under the new requirements.

What should spaces for learning look like? Mind/Shift takes a look at classroom design. (Pass the Chalk’s own Erin Teater covered the same topic earlier this week.)

And finally, we’ve been watching the Olympics and reading triumphant stories about winning athletes. But we also want to salute those who didn’t medal, like gymnast John Orozco, who grew up in the Bronx and overcame the odds to become an Olympian. We hope to see you in Rio, John!

Have a great weekend.

Claire D'Silva is an intern at Teach For America. She will be a freshman at Boston College this fall.