In a major victory for NYSUT, a new law ensures K-12 districts are not required to complete annual professional performance reviews for 2020–21 and will not lose any school aid as a result.
It means superintendents may grant tenure to educators who, in their discretion, are eligible and otherwise qualified, except for the absence of an APPR rating for the 2019-2020 and/or 2020-2021 school years.
“NYSUT fought throughout this legislative session for this law to ensure fairness in the tenure system for K-12 teachers in a year like no other,” said President Andy Pallotta.
COVID-19 raised unprecedented obstacles, challenges and detours, and “educators have doubled their efforts to tend to students’ academic, social and emotional needs throughout the pandemic,” he said.
“This law recognizes that commitment by no longer requiring districts to complete APPR this year while still providing administrators with flexibility in making tenure decisions under the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
“This is a win-win for educators and their districts.”
The governor’s signature enacted the law June 7.