The Governor's proposed education reforms are not being well received by teachers. But WBFO'S Focus on Education reporter Eileen Buckley says according to the Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul they 'don't understand' what Cuomo is trying to accomplish.
"There's no reason why this issue should be divisive. We all wants what's best for our children," said Lt. Governor Hochul.
Hochul responding to the opposition against Cuomo's tough education reforms. Hochul said despite spending $20,000 per student on average, the state is not ranked high enough for student performance and they're trying to create the number one education system in the nation.
"We are ranked number 34th when it comes to the caliber of education our students are receiving and how well they are performing on tests -- that's not acceptable. The Governor doesn't think it is acceptable. I don't think it is acceptable and no parent should be satisfied with those outcomes," said Hochul.
"I feel the teacher profession is just being attacked," said Jeff Grossi, Bennett High School teacher in Buffalo.
The Governor's reform ideas would mean big changes to teacher evaluations removing ineffective teachers and awarding $20,000 bonuses to high performing teachers.
"I feel the teacher profession is just being attacked," said Jeff Grossi, Bennett High School teacher in Buffalo. "They want me to be evaluated 50% on the results from my students -- high-stake standardized tests -- what other occupation does that work for?", stated Grossi. "We are the easy scapegoats for society because everybody feels they can do our job. That our job is easy. They we only work half a year and all this other nonsense that you hear."
The Governor is also proposing a receivership style model to take over for failing school districts and expanding charter schools.
