All public school classroom teachers should have re-ceived their 2012-13 composite score and rating by the end of the day Sept. 3. Here are some questions and answers to help you understand your rights under the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) law and evolving regulations:
Q. I received my composite score and rating. Now what?
A. Review your subcomponent scores for accuracy and if you feel your rating is inaccurate or you have questions about the scores, contact your union representative.
Q. What do I need to do if I received a developing or ineffective composite score?
A. If you received a rating of developing or ineffective, your district has 10 school days after the first day of classes to implement a Teacher Improvement Plan (TIP). Contact your local union leader for support with your district's negotiated TIP requirements.
Q. Can ratings be appealed?
A. There are terms and conditions under which ratings can be appealed. All districts have negotiated an appeals process. Contact your union representative as soon as possible for specific procedures about your appeals process. (Time limitations will apply, so do not delay.)
Q. How will the privacy law limit access to my individual evaluation and rating?
A. Upon a valid request, a current student's parent or guardian will be able to receive the composite score and rating for their student's current teacher. Each local school district must determine the parent/guardian request process. All other teacher-specific evaluation information (e.g.: subcomponent scores, APPR forms, documentation, rubric scores, notes for 60 percent "Other Measures," etc.) are confidential and not subject to disclosure, except to school district administrators or board of education members who have a need to see this information to make employment decisions. Ratings should not be considered final until appeals are completed. Ratings for individual teachers will not be released to the media.
Q. Can I be terminated if I receive two consecutive ineffective ratings?
A. A district may choose to initiate an expedited 3020-a proceeding after two consecutive ineffective ratings. The district still has the burden of proving incompetence, and must offer evidence that the TIP was implemented with fidelity. Any NYSUT member so charged is entitled to legal representation, furnished by NYSUT at no cost.
FOUR RATINGS
Each year, every K-12 teacher and principal in the state will receive one of four ratings: highly effective, effective, developing or ineffective. While details of the evaluation process are negotiated locally by districts, overall scores are calculated based on a 100-point possible score:
- 0-64: Ineffective
- 65-74: Developing
- 75-90: Effective
- 91-100: Highly effective
How your rating is calculated
Teachers and principals are evaluated in three areas: classroom observations and evidence (or for principals, leadership and management observation), student growth and student achievement.
Here's the breakdown:
- Teacher Practice - 60%
- Locally Selected Measures of student achievement - 20%
- Student growth - 20%
For more information about APPR and teacher evaluations, visit www.nysut.org.