Board of Regents Approves Controversial New Plan For Teacher Evaluations

By: Lindsey Christ

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The Board of Regents approved a new plan Monday night that sets new standards for teacher evaluations – a decision that's left union leaders in an uproar. NY1’s Lindsey Christ filed the following report.

The new teacher evaluation system has been the only major reform that union and education officials accomplished together in at least a year. That last thread of collaboration snapped Monday night. The Board of Regents approved a plan that includes some last minute changes suggested by the governor.

Union leaders call them unacceptable.

“If political ideology and rhetoric trumps what's best for the kids, then we're not going to be able to come to a decision,” said Michael Mulgrew of the United Federation of Teachers.

Originally, 20 percent of each teacher's evaluation grade would have been based on students' state test scores. In the new plan, backed by Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg, that number is up to 40 percent.

"I know this is difficult," said Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch. "I know in many ways it is dramatic for all of us."

Nevertheless, the real drama may be to come. The state teachers union says the changes are against the law. They are suspending any collaboration with the State Education Department and may sue. Locally, each school district now has to work with their teachers union to figure out the details of the evaluations by September. However, the city's union president and chancellor already admit they disagree.

“We think that what's been discussed is something that is fair and strong and we support it,” said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott.

“I do not negotiate in the press," said Mulgrew. "I just want to be clear on our position that test prep has harmed the school system of New York City."

Some Regents members also voiced concerns that if test scores are given more weight, teachers will do more test prep.

"Principals know who the good teachers are," said Harry Phillips of the State Board of Regents. "They could rank them in order without this incredible structure.”

David Steiner, the outgoing state education commissioner, says New York needs an evaluation system.

"You are not going to create a single model that will make everybody happy. There is just no chance of that,” said Steiner.

Still, that the city and union will be able to agree on a model at all by September looks less and less likely.