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In the News
Mon, 04/02/2012
Getting Smart

By Tom Vander Ark

Every U.S. student should have a chance to earn college credit in high school. Even with online learning, we still haven’t reached the point of universal access to a great college prep track with college credit options. That’s why David Haglund is pushing the Students Bill of Rights in California. It’s why Christina Grant is pushing early college in New York.

Wed, 03/07/2012
The Times Union

By Scott Waldman

ALBANY — The charter school movement in Albany received $3 million from the Walton Family Foundation last year.

On Wednesday, the charitable arm of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. released the list of organizations that received the $159 million it invested in education reform in 2011. The $3.01 million Albany-based organizations received was a 27 percent increase over 2010.

Fri, 02/17/2012
Buffalo News

By Mary B. Pasciak and Tom Precious
News Staff Reporters

Every teacher in the state soon will be evaluated under a more rigorous system designed to more closely link teacher ratings to student growth on assessments and to reliable classroom observations.

Thu, 02/02/2012
WAMC

ALBANY, NY (WAMC) - New York schools could be facing a huge financial loss if an agreement is not reached on a new evaluation system for teachers and principals. The education group, the Campaign for Achievement Now, has issued a report that says schools could lose $1.7 billion dollars over two years if the new system is not in place.

Wed, 02/01/2012
New York Times

In the news on Wednesday, the tabloids continue to have a field day with the case of a teacher who has collected his $100,000-a-year salary for a decade while assigned to “rubber room”-type duty.

The case of Alan Rosenfeld, a former typing instructor, has prompted The New York Post to look more closely at the records of the case against the teacher, who was accused by six girls in junior high school “of leering at them and making inappropriate remarks.”

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Evaluation deal comes through for teachers, students

Posted Fri, 02/17/2012 at 18:34
 in

Last month, we told Governor Andrew Cuomo that New York deserved a genuine teacher evaluation system. Yesterday afternoon, he proved that he was listening.

During a much-anticipated press conference, Governor Cuomo announced teacher evaluation guidelines that put students first and give school districts a compelling reason to jump on board. If they miss the January 2013 deadline for adopting new evaluations, they risk losing a 4 percent increase in state aid.

(See our policy primer to find out how that 4 percent translates into dollars for your district.)

The deal has been called a clear win for Governor Cuomo and education reformers. We believe the biggest winners are kids. That’s because now, teacher success will depend on student success. 



Of 100 possible points, 40 will depend on student achievement, including 20 based on state test scores. For the remaining 20 points, school districts may choose from options that measure progress in some other way. Teachers who rate ineffective on student achievement will be rated ineffective overall.

Teachers win, too. Through multiple observations — including one that is unannounced — they will receive more accurate evaluations.

Outstanding teachers will be touted as role models. Hardworking teachers who are struggling to see results will get meaningful feedback and a helping hand. Teachers who fail to improve student learning year after year will no longer receive passing grades.

In short, the deal begins a new chapter of accountability for New York schools.

The deal also gives the state’s education commissioner authority to approve or deny a local district’s plan. If the standards are not high enough, school officials will be forced to revise and resubmit their plan. 



If the deal shows us anything, it is that change is possible with strong leadership. NYCAN commends the governor for using his broad influence to fast-track education reform.

As NYCAN Executive Director Christina Grant says: “Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo deserves praise for setting this process in motion, as do New York State Education Commissioner John King, Jr. and New York State United Teachers President Richard C. Iannuzzi for putting kids first.”



Putting kids first means holding schools accountable. This top-notch evaluation system will position the Empire State to strike back against years of rubber stamping.

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