ALBANY -- New York's Board of Regents has adopted a tougher teacher evaluation system that includes greater reliance on student performance in standardized tests.
The proposal amended with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recommendations on Friday prompted the powerful New York State United Teachers union to break off its cooperative relationship with the state Education Department.
The evaluations that could be in place this year would replace seniority in determining which teachers face layoffs.
Richard Iannuzzi of the New York State United Teachers union says the Cuomo proposals backed by state schools Chancellor Merryl Tisch on Friday will hurt education as well as teachers.
NYSUT had agreed to the Regents' proposal before Cuomo's additions.
Now NYSUT says Monday it is considering a legal fight to block the plan.
The teachers union responded, saying, "today's actions take New York down a path that will hamper instruction and student success and that will eventually arrive at a dead end."
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
