A “Learning Summit” in Albany Thursday focused on reworking evaluation systems for teachers and principals in public schools in St. Lawrence County and around the state, according to Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa).

The evaluation systems devised for the debut of the Common Core regime of new curricula and assessment tests has come in for sustained criticism since its introduction, and Thursday’s session was billed as a way to start devising more acceptable means of rating teachers’ and principals’ performance.

“Today’s Learning Summit gave stakeholders a chance to present their views to the Board of Regents as well as myself and other members of the Assembly in attendance,” said Russell, whose district includes St. Lawrence River shore townships plus Potsdam and Canton.

Russell participated in the summit, convened by the state Board of Regents, and was joined by members of the state Education Department, Board of Regents and lawmakers to hear from a panel of national experts and New York State stakeholder groups, including representatives from the statewide organizations for superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and school board members.

“Ultimately I have faith that the Board of Regents will listen to stakeholders and create regulations that preserve the best of the existing system and focus on implementing improvements founded on sound research,” Russell said. “I’m continuing to work with my Education Advisory Committee in the North Country as well as the Board of Regents to give our communities the ability to prepare and exercise local control.”