The New York State Legislature has received a proposal from NYSED for major changes in the way the state evaluates teachers. The proposal has the support of NYSUT and the UFT.

This proposal is viewed by NYSED as a way to increase the chance of qualifying for federal RTTT funding. A significant change is that standardized test scores would be a component of the evaluation (20%). Both SED and the unions were quite blunt in their statements that the current system does not working well.

NYSED Cpmmissioner David Steiner wrote a piece in the May 12 New York Daily News about the proposal:

An effective teacher can be the decisive difference between success and failure for even our neediest students. Yet our current teacher evaluation system makes it nearly impossible to accurately assess teacher performance, making it challenging to reward effective teachers as well as provide professional development to those whose skills need improvement.

A recent Columbia University study concluded that teacher evaluation systems using both objective data (including student test scores) and subjective data (like observations by trained mentor teachers) can dramatically improve teacher quality. It may seem obvious that teacher and principal evaluations ought to include an analysis of how much their students are learning, but that requires a 180-degree change in current practice and state law.
...

Here is the May 11 NYSED press release.

The UFT published a Q&A that explains some of the details.

NYSUT made very supportive press announcements:

"We believe this new process is a major step in the right direction, and will be good for students and fair to teachers," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi, noting that the Regents proposal now must go to the Legislature for approval. "Most importantly, it can help advance effective teaching by requiring evaluations to focus on growth for all teachers, and require support and professional development for those who need to improve."

"This agreement underscores that it is essential for the union to be at the table and for teachers to define excellence in our profession," Iannuzzi said. "NYSUT's position has always been that student test scores can play a role in teacher evaluations - but they should never be the sole factor. This agreement clearly establishes that test scores are not the sole determinant of teacher effectiveness."
...
Iannuzzi noted that a teacher evaluation process, no matter how well done, does not in itself increase student achievement and is just part of what's needed to advance student learning. "In concert with parents and community members, we must continue to advocate for small class sizes, fair funding, quality professional development and the support services our students need," he said.
...

An article in the May 17, New York Times Magazine covers this issue and it's relation to the NYS RTTT application process further.