Statement by Questar III District Superintendent Dr. James N. Baldwin concerning APPR agreement announced today by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Commissioner John B. King, Jr. and NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi
The agreement reached today between the New York State Education Department and the New York State United Teachers through the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is most welcome.
Today’s announcement brings much needed clarity to the process of negotiating the annual performance review of teachers at the local level. It reinforces the urgent need to consider student achievement as a critical component of any effective performance evaluation of teachers and principals. Most critically, it highlights the responsibility of the adults in the public education system for the delivery of high quality, rigorous and effective programs that respond to the varied needs, talents and interests of our students.
Further, the agreement strengthens the authority of the Commissioner with respect to approval and oversight of the annual professional performance reviews to ensure that student achievement data, direct classroom observations by an administrator or principal and other nationally recognized research-based criteria are included in local evaluation systems.
The steadfast and principled leadership and advocacy of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch and Education Commissioner John B. King on behalf of the children of New York State is evident in this agreement.
The Governor’s leadership enables us to move the focus of developing rigorous and fair annual professional performance reviews out of the courtroom and into the classroom – where it belongs.
