Education department and union officials praised President Obama's proposed changes to the way the feds fund education Monday - but each said the other could weaken New York's chances.
Obama wants to make an additional $1 billion available for school improvement if Congress passes sweeping changes to the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law.
The proposal has not been spelled out in detail, but states likely would have to compete for the additional cash. Schools would be rewarded for the progress students make on exams, not simply for the number of children who pass.
States that have merit pay for high-performing teachers may be eligible for more money. There would also be cash for schools that improve performance of the poorest students.
Education Department officials and the union squabbled over whether the city will be in the running for the extra money. Merit pay has been a hot-button issue with the union, and contract talks have ground to a halt.
"We'll do anything we can to win more money," said Education Department
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2010/02/02/2010-02-02_educrats_uft_in_fund_dispute.html#ixzz0eOLd14Tl