APPR Position Statement – Updated 3/25

The following updated position statement was sent to all legislators on March 25 in response to current budget discussions –

SAANYS opposes delay of state aid increases until June.

• WHY should schools and students be penalized by the postponement of state aid?
• School budgets will be voted on in May – will districts know their allocation?

SAANYS opposes the establishment of a commission with binding decision making authority.

SAANYS supports the completion of an independent evaluation of the state APPR system and the establishment of a subsequent advisory committee, including educators, to consider the analysis and recommend appropriate revisions of the state system.

• No meaningful, substantive review of the APPR system can be completed by June 2015.
• The commission’s work should NOT be a condition for the release of state aid.

SAANYS opposes adding weight to the state growth model.

• The calculation of scores is NOT transparent.
• Scores have NOT been proven to accurately evaluate teachers and principals.
• Do NOT increase reliance upon standardized tests.

SAANYS opposes reduction of Other Measures weighting and assignment of external reviewers.

• This aspect of the APPR system works – do NOT break it!
• Requiring external reviewers adds costs and burden; and reduces effectiveness.

 SAANYS opposes the reduction of due process rights and increasing tenure to four or five years.

• Expedited hearings should NOT devolve to become kangaroo courts.
• Probationary periods may NOW be extended beyond three years.