Attend A Conversation With The Board Of Regents About Impending Changes To Teacher Evaluations

Following a massive uproar from parents and educators all across the state — including right here in our area — the Legislature blocked Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal that planned to change teacher evaluations so that test scores would be 50% of a teacher’s rating, and 35% would be based on an outside evaluator other than the principal.

What will determine those percentages is still up in the air, though, and will be guided by the New York State Board of Regents and the Education Commissioner, and you’ll have a chance to make your opinions heard at an upcoming meeting in our area.

On Thursday, May 21 at 7pm at PS 10 (511 7th Avenue between 17th Street and Prospect Avenue), Assemblymember Jim Brennan is hosting a conversation and Q&A with two Regents representatives, Dr. Kathleen M. Cashin and Dr. Lester W. Young. This is an opportunity for local parents, teachers, and neighbors to be heard on what those evaluation factors will be.

The event flyer explains:

The Regents and the Education Commissioner have been given the power to set new board standards for teacher and principal evaluations by the State Legislature in the recently enacted budget. They must adopt new standards by June 30th, and school districts must submit proposals to be approved by the Regents and the Education Commissioner by November 15th. Among the powers granted:

• develop the weightings for test scores and rating teachers and principals
• the weightings for principal observations and outside evaluations
• scoring ranges and growth targets

For more information about the event, contact Brennan’s office at 718-788-7221.