“I’m encouraged by the Education Department’s decision to listen to what our teachers, students and parents have to say about our public schools. We have been pushing for this delay on teacher evaluations in order to implement common-sense reforms,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “It would be irresponsible to rush any reforms that could put our schools funding as well as our students and teachers’ success in jeopardy. I have pledged to keep fighting to ensure our children receive the education they deserve, and this is a step in the right direction – but there is more to do, including scaling back standardized testing and guaranteeing local control of our schools.”

Assemblyman Santabarbara noted that in his efforts to listen to teachers and parents, he recently launched a new website that aims to collect local input on key education issues, including scaling back standardized testing, reforming the teacher evaluation systems so it make sense and keeping public schools under local control. All community members are encouraged to visit the website and voice their concerns.