Assemblywoman
Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she strongly supports the Board of Regents’
directive to the state education department to incorporate in the new
regulations an extension for the full implementation of new teacher
evaluations.
The
Board of Regents will adopt teacher evaluation regulations by June 30 of this
year, but the new directive calls on the state Education Department to come up
with a plan that gives schools more time to implement the changes.
“The
Board of Regents is acknowledging the flexibility the state budget language gave
them to create a new teacher evaluation system that is fair to teachers and
their students. By empowering the Board of Regents to make these decisions,
we’ve put our trust in those who are able to make calculated decisions that
benefit everyone,” Russell said.
In
budget negotiations leading up to the passage of the 2015-2016 fiscal year
spending plan approved at the end of March, the Assembly’s Democratic majority
fought to ensure the Board of Regents controlled the teacher evaluation system.
“By
delaying the implementation, the Board of Regents will not simply ram through
the implementation of this education policy,” Russell said. “I see no reason
that would prevent the new regulations from providing short term standards that
will allow schools to receive their school aid while the state Education
Department develops what the statute requires. The evaluation system that will
be developed by June will give our schools time to learn and adjust to the new
regulation without fear of disrupting our teachers and students.”