Teacher Qualifications & Evaluations
Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan
APPR stands for Annual Professional Performance Review. It is the process by which teachers and principals are evaluated in New York state. The intent of APPR is to assist educators to improve the quality of instruction in schools and, in turn, to improve students’ performance and readiness for colleges and careers.
District APPR plans must meet strict state guidelines and be negotiated with local unions. Under state guidelines, APPR takes into account classroom observations and student performance. Teachers and principals across New York ultimately receive an overall effectiveness rating every year.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and is meant to ensure that all students have equitable access to high-quality educational resources and opportunities. New York state is committed to ensuring that all students succeed and thrive in school no matter who they are, where they live, where they go to school, or where they come from. Since fall 2016, New York state asked for feedback to design a plan that improves equity, access, and opportunity for all students.
For more information about ESSA, go to the State Education Department’s website, or download this fact sheet.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can learn more about New York state’s ESSA-funded programs compliant procedures here.