What is APPR?
APPR stands for Annual Professional Performance Review, and it is the process by which teachers and principals are evaluated in New York state. In 2010, as a result of the federal Race To The Top (RTTT) education initiative, teacher and principal evaluation plans must adhere to more rigid rules set by the state. Plans must also be submitted and approved by the NYS Education Department and, for the first time ever, a portion of the evaluations are directly tied to student performance on state exams or other state-approved learning measures.
The goal of APPR is as one pillar (Common Core Curriculum is another) of the larger federal Race to the Top education reform initiative that aims to improve the quality of instruction in our schools and, in turn, improve student performance and college-and career-readiness. The APPR requirements aim to provide standardized, objective evaluation results, which can be used to better focus professional development for teachers and principals. According to the State Education Department, “The purpose of the evaluation system is to ensure that there is an effective teacher in every classroom and an effective leader in every school.”
APPR Teacher and Principle Effectiveness Scores
Under APPR, teachers and principals receive a number grade every year, which translates to an effectiveness rating. The APPR process is governed by the state and aligns with New York state teaching and leadership standards, but each school district develops its own evaluation plan within those guidelines. Because of this, each district’s APPR plan is different, so APPR scores cannot be compared from district to district.
How to Request Teacher and Principal Effectiveness Scores
While APPR scores are not considered public information, and are not FOILable, state leaders have agreed that teachers’ and principals’ composite APPR ratings may be released to parents or guardians upon request and verification of identity and only for their child’s current teachers and principal. Teachers may be notified by a district administrator which parents have requested their effectiveness score.
To request an effectiveness score, please follow these steps:
- Download, print and fill out the request form. This forms is also available in the main office of your child’s school.
- Bring the request form to the main office of the school along with identification. We will need your ID because the main office must verify you are the parent or legal guardian of the student before they can release the score of that student’s teacher or principal.
- A district staff member will be in contact with you after your request is processed to detail how the composite score(s), and an explanation of such ratings, will be delivered to you.
Scores will not be finalized and certified with the state until October 18. Requests to release scores will be processed at that time. Depending on the amount of requests received, the amount of time this takes could vary.
Understanding Student Growth Scores & Teacher Effectiveness Scores
Watch an Engage NY video to learn how student scores on state assessments factor into teacher effectiveness scores.