Senator Gallivan Urges Public Comment on Education Reform

Education is at a crossroads in New York State.  There is a great deal of concern and  frustration among parents, students, educators and taxpayers.

Earlier this year, Governor Andrew Cuomo attempted to enact far-reaching educational reforms as part of the 2015-2016 New York State budget.  My Senate colleagues and I  rejected the governor’s original education reform plan and, where possible, made changes in an effort to find more reasonable common ground.   

Contrary to the governor’s original plan, the new state budget charges the state education commissioner and the Board of Regents with ultimately determining changes in our education system, but not without undertaking a full public comment period that will allow teachers, students, administrators, parents and other concerned citizens an opportunity to provide input.

It gives every stakeholder a chance to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns. 

Toward that end, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is currently accepting public comment on developing new teacher evaluation standards.  It represents the first opportunity to provide your input directly and specifically to those who will be making the decisions.  You can send your comments by e-mail to:  Eval2015@nysed.gov.

It's anticipated that draft regulations will be announced at the next Board of Regents meeting on May 18-19, after which the public comment period will remain open for specific comment on the new draft proposal.

I'll do my best to provide additional updates as they become available throughout the critical months ahead.