By Casey Seiler
(From Capitol Confidential, February 16th, 2012)
You know the drill: We post the reaction statements as we get them, newest on top.
From Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:
Earlier this year, I called on the Governor to intervene to help settle the statewide teacher evaluation issue, and I am grateful that he has stepped in to help bring this to a conclusion.
Today’s announcement reflects a successful compromise by all parties involved and allows us to move forward in making our schools the best they can be. The original intent of the 2010 law that led to New York’s Race to the Top award can now be fulfilled.
I remain hopeful that we can avoid schools closures in New York City, which continues to be a bargaining issue between the Mayor and the United Federation of Teachers, since overcrowding is already a chronic problem in our public school system.
There is no greater responsibility than to ensure our children have the confidence, intelligence and compassion they need to become our future leaders. This is the responsibility of not only teachers, but parents, administrators, and lawmakers. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his efforts so we can ensure New York’s students get the quality education they deserve.
From Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch and Ed Commissioner John King:
Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch and State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. said today the newly agreed upon teacher and principal evaluation system was made possible by a collaborative willingness to implement a process that will help improve student performance. The two education leaders praised Governor Cuomo’s leadership in driving a resolution to the complicated negotiations. King said the new system will protect more than $2.5 billion in federal Race to the Top funds and other education funds over two years, and, more importantly, help improve student performance.