State officials say nearly three-fourths of New Mexico's teachers rated "effective" or better under a much-debated evaluation system partly based on student achievement.
The New Mexico Public Education Department announced Monday that around 47 percent of teacher evaluated were deemed effective while 24 percent were graded highly effective.
Around 2.5 percent were rated "exemplary."
About 26 percent of teachers were graded "minimally effective" or "ineffective."
According to the report, a slightly smaller percentage of teachers rated as "effective" or better compared to last year.
Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera told The Associated Press the report is a "game changer" since it utilized data like teacher attendance and surveys, although districts can decide how that information is used.
Earlier this year, a state appeals court refused to block New Mexico's teacher evaluation system amid criticism from some educators and union officials.
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