Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- New teacher evaluation plans are due in a few months and most districts in Central New York still haven’t complied.
An increase in state funding is on the line for districts that don’t have a plan in place and approved by the State before mid-January.
New York's teachers will be rated based on a formula: 60 percent is based on classroom observation and 40 percent depends on how their students perform on State or local tests.
Find out HERE how the Governor's office describes the rating system."The State gives a test once a year and says we're going to base everything on that. That is not the model that we use locally,” explained Liverpool Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Johns. “We’re trying to figure out how to put a square peg into a round table.”
Superintendent Richard Johns' says his school district has been crafting their own evaluation system for years and he thinks it works. But there are philosophical differences with the formula now required by the state. That's one reason the Liverpool School District still hasn't turned in a plan of action to the State Education Department.
In Onondaga County, 12 of 19 districts have submitted proposals, including Syracuse.
In Oswego County, only Phoenix and Fulton have turned in proposals. Seven other districts have not.
And in Madison County, just two of 11 districts have submitted plans for review: DeRuyter and Madison-Oneida BOCES.
The information, spelled out online, is presented as a tool for parents, but carries heavy political weight.
“Everyone should be evaluated at their job. Everyone is evaluated at their job and I don't think anyone should be exempt, especially school teachers,” said parent Darren LeBlanc.
Mom Katie Watkins says, “It's a really hard job for really hard pay. I don't know why we are making it harder for them.”
Districts have until mid-January to finalize a plan and Dr. Johns wants to take his time.
“We've got a pretty good system in place. I like to think it’s about as good as any I've ever seen and we just don't want to lose that,” Dr. Johns said.
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