Cuomo believes that one effective way to economically power ahead the state is for all students to receive a valued education that guides them to their future. Backing up his statement on putting students first, Cuomo has many changes in education that he believes will make student life better and prosperous. There are faults present in his changes, and many believe that Cuomo is missing the bigger picture in schools. His changes affect students, teachers, schools, school funding, student education, etc. Most of Cuomo's changes aren't entirely beneficial; there are certain modifications to his plans that might not work properly. .
Cuomo's objective to find ways to improve teacher quality, including the teacher evaluation system, did not lead him to the best idea. "The quality of a student's teacher is one of the most important factors in his or her success. In order to improve student achievement we must ensure that every student has an excellent teacher." (III) Cuomo believes merit pay, will lead teachers to become more committed to their jobs and that it will enhance their teaching. According to most people that is a highly untrue statement. Teachers are encouraged by seeing their students succeed, not by the money or bonus's they earn. Cuomo believes that his idea of individual merit pay will help teachers stay in the business of teaching. It won't get them to stay; it would most likely cause them to not focus completely on the student's education with the bonus they're getting. .
Another focus of Governor Cuomo is to improve student achievement. "Governor Andrew Cuomo said that he wants teacher evaluations to be based 50% test scores, 50% observation. Any teacher 'ineffective' in raising test scores will be found no better than 'developing' regardless of observation scores. Any teacher rated ineffective two years in a row may be fired." (I) It's unfair for teachers to be evaluated on student test-scores, especially as 50%.
