New teacher-evaluation plan to be unveiled
ALBANY -- With Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo expected to unveil a new teacher-evaluation system this week, lawmakers Wednesday expressed optimism about reaching a deal to limit public access to the appraisals.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said Cuomo talked this week with New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers, the state's largest teacher unions, about a compromise.
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ALBANY -- With Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo expected to unveil a new teacher-evaluation system this week, lawmakers Wednesday expressed optimism about reaching a deal to limit public access to the appraisals.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said Cuomo talked this week with New York State United Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers, the state's largest teacher unions, about a compromise.
"I know the governor met with NYSUT and UFT," on Tuesday, Skelos said. "He has indicated he's going to come with some proposal."
With the legislature slated to adjourn for the year next Thursday, officials say they expect Cuomo to unveil a proposed bill by Friday so it can be printed and voted on before the session ends.
Unions, which support a bill by Assemb. Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) to limit access to parents only and via a freedom of information request, said compromise talks have been productive.
"Discussions are under way and we are encouraged by those discussions," said Carl Korn, NYSUT spokesman.
At issue is a revision of a new teacher-evaluation system that Cuomo and legislators approved earlier this year.
In a separate case focused on New York City teachers, a court ruled that teacher evaluations were subject to public-records laws -- sparking calls from teachers' unions to enact a new law to specifically make the evaluations private.
Some lawmakers note that evaluations of police and fire personnel aren't available publicly, and they want teachers treated the same way. Cuomo has said he supports parents-only access.
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