NY teachers union ads call for local evaluations

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York's largest union launched a statewide ad campaign calling for locally developed teacher evaluation systems that put less emphasis on standardized test scores.

The New York State United Teachers ads stress that teachers embrace high standards, local flexibility and strict accountability.

On Feb. 1, Gov. Andrew Cuomo accused unions of blocking progress on teacher evaluation standards that were required by law two years ago.

NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi said significant progress is being made implementing the state's evaluation system.

He said full implementation has been delayed by the state's appeal of a judge's ruling that the Board of Regents crafted flawed regulations that would double the importance of standardized tests.