Poll: Most LIers support tougher teacher standards

As News 12 Long Island has reported, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is willing to send more money to schools if state lawmakers enact tougher evaluation standards for teachers.

In a News 12/Hofstra poll, Long Islanders were asked if they support or oppose the plan.

More than 43 percent of those who answered said they support the plan. About 20 percent opposed the plan.

Nearly 21 percent say they support state aid increases but oppose the teacher evaluation component of the plan. Meanwhile, 8 percent support Cuomo’s teacher evaluations but oppose state aid increases.

Another 8 percent were undecided.

Teachers unions argue Cuomo’s proposed evaluation standards are unfair because they're based too heavily on scores from controversial standardized tests.

Both Senate Republicans and Assembly Democrats have voiced opposition to the governor’s proposal on teacher evaluations. They are considering the creation of a commission that would look into the plan.

News 12 Long Island called the governor's office for a response and were referred to a tweet from his communications director. It said, "There are a number of proposals floating around. None of them have been agreed to."