Big APPR Changes for NYS Teachers, but Test Results Still Count for Districts

Feb 10, 2020

The Importance of APPR in New York State

As a leading provider of SEO services in the business and consumer services industry, we understand the significance of staying up to date with the latest changes and regulations affecting professionals in various fields. In this article, we will discuss the recent significant APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review) changes that have been implemented for New York State (NYS) teachers. Additionally, we will explore how test results continue to play a crucial role for districts when assessing teacher performance.

Understanding APPR

APPR is an evaluation system in place for educators in NYS, designed to ensure high standards of teaching and learning within the state's school districts. It serves as a mechanism to assess teacher effectiveness and improve instructional practices. The changes introduced in the recent years aim to enhance the evaluation process further, providing a more comprehensive picture of a teacher's abilities.

New Evaluation Measures

The revised APPR framework incorporates multiple measures to evaluate teacher performance. These measures include:

  • Classroom observations: Regular observations conducted by trained evaluators to assess teaching practices.
  • Student performance: Using student assessment data to evaluate the impact of a teacher's instruction.
  • Student surveys: Gathering feedback from students regarding their educational experience.
  • Local measures: Districts have the flexibility to determine additional assessment tools to evaluate teachers.

Changes in APPR for NYS Teachers

The APPR system for NYS teachers witnesses periodic updates and adjustments to ensure its effectiveness. The most recent changes for NYS teachers include:

Transition from "HEDI" to "MOSL"

The HEDI (Highly Effective, Effective, Developing, and Ineffective) rating scale is being replaced by the MOSL (Measures of Student Learning) scoring system. The MOSL approach utilizes a more comprehensive assessment methodology, giving significant weight to student achievement data. It considers various factors such as state assessments, locally selected assessments, and student growth percentiles.

Reduced Reliance on State Assessments

Recognizing the limitations of using solely state assessments, the APPR changes aim to reduce the reliance on these assessments alone. Districts have the freedom to include a diverse range of local measures, enabling a more holistic evaluation of a teacher's performance.

Increased Emphasis on Professional Development

The revised APPR framework emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development for educators. The changes encourage collaboration, mentorship, and continuing education to support teachers in improving their instructional strategies.

The Continued Significance of Test Results

Although the recent APPR changes enhance the evaluation system, test results still hold importance for districts. These results provide valuable insights into students' academic progress and measure the impact of a teacher's instruction. Districts continue to consider test scores when evaluating teacher effectiveness and making informed decisions about curriculum and instructional improvement.

Conclusion

The big APPR changes for NYS teachers reflect the commitment to continuously improve the evaluation process, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning. While the emphasis has shifted towards a more comprehensive assessment approach, test results remain a critical aspect of teacher evaluation. As a prominent provider of SEO services in the business and consumer services industry, we aim to keep you informed about industry-specific developments, allowing you to stay ahead of the competition.