President Barack Obama proposed sweeping education reforms Tuesday, declaring "the relative decline of American education is ? unacceptable for our children.?

Among the reforms the president put forward is merit pay for teachers and a longer school day and year.

"It?s time to expect more from our students, time to start rewarding good teachers.? Obama said.

Reaction from Long Island education advocates, parents and teachers is mixed. "In some communities a teacher could work very hard and get minimal results and in other communities they are working just as hard and get excellent results," Kevin O'Connor, of the Roosevelt Teachers Association, said.

College student Amanda Garcia, of Hicksville, said good teachers do deserve more money because there are many teachers who don?t care about their jobs. Others, she said, pour their hearts and souls into teaching and should be rewarded.

Some students and parents said quality is more important than quantity in terms of extending the school day and year, as the president proposes. Obama?s reforms of course have a price tag, but many said it is worth it because it means investing in the future of the country.