In 2008, the city switched to a standardized, test-based admissions system in an attempt to cut down on favoritism that it said existed in the previous system, which allowed different districts to set their own rules.

WSJ: Testing Firm Is Under Fire Due to Errors Scoring School Exams

Under state law, all of New York's roughly 700 school districts must develop a system for evaluating teachers based on a mix of standardized test scores, classroom observations and other measures.

WSJ: Albany Eyeing Ways to Shield Teacher Data