(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania teachers are currently graded "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" on evaluations, but the system could soon change. Several school districts, including Waynesboro Area School District in Franklin County and Shamokin Area School District in Northumberland County, have chosen to take part in a pilot program that would base half of a teacher's evaluation on student performance. The other half would be based on standard practices, such as observations. State Department of Education Spokesman Tim Eller says the change is designed to help teachers improve their skills. "The most impact that research and studies show is that the more effective and the more engaged the educator is in front of the class, that has the most impact on student achievement," he says. The pilot program is expected to begin at more than 100 schools later this year. It could take effect statewide at the beginning of the next school year if it's approved by the state legislature.