Cuomo's Remarks On Education Draw Fire From State Assembly Speaker, Teachers Union
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Education reform is shaping up to be a major topic of debate in Albany this year with Governor Andrew Cuomo calling for an improved system of teacher evaluations, and the proposal has already provoked criticism from State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and New York State United Teachers. NY1’s Zack Fink filed the following report.The portion of Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of the State address that’s still making waves is centered on education.
Making the point that the system of education is a vast bureaucracy, Cuomo is vowing to meet the needs of students.
“The only group without lobbyists are the students,” said Cuomo. “Well this year, my friend, the students do have a lobbyist. I’m taking a second job.”
That statement brought a mild rebuke from State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who spoke at an education rally Tuesday at the Capitol.
"When it comes to education, I am going to respectfully disagree with the governor on one point. The most powerful lobbying group for students is their parents, and that's beyond dispute," said Silver.
Cuomo also called for meaningful teacher evaluations. He reiterated that in a statement, saying the current system of teacher evaluations is a "failure."
But according the state teachers union, an adequate system of evaluations is currently on the books, though it hasn’t been implemented because it’s been delayed by a lawsuit.
The state is appealing a decision that went in favor of the union.
"Well, I think where I disagree with the governor is on the status of that law. I think the governor is right, not enough is being done and we all have to figure out how to move it along, but the law itself is the correct framework. The law is part of why New York State got $700 million in Race to the Top dollars," said Richard Iannuzzi of New York State United Teachers.
The governor also proposed appointing a commission to study reform and write a report by the end of the year.
"Well I don't know that a commission is needed to look at teacher evaluations itself. Is a commission needed to look at the bureaucracy that exists?" said Iannuzzi.
Education advocates say last year’s $1.3 billion in cuts further complicates matters at a time when there are calls for change and reform.
Cuomo unveils his budget for the upcoming fiscal year next week.