NYSED has just released an updated version of the APPR Guidance Document reflecting revisions to the vested interest rule found in Section G, Scoring and Security of Assessments (see: G1 and G2). While the vested interest rule has not changed, NYSED has provided some clarifications on its application outside of courses with a State and/or Regents assessment in order to relieve unintended burden for educators and districts.
Because New York State’s teacher and principal evaluation policies are designed to make strong and equitable inferences about the effectiveness of our state’s educators, the Commissioner’s regulations prohibit teachers and principals from scoring assessments where they have a vested interest in the outcome. However, as explained in the updated G1 and G2, the Department recognizes that there may be rare instances in which this is not practicable (e.g., in K-2 when administering a reading inventory or when administering the NYSAA). In these instances, the Department recommends that districts and BOCES make every attempt possible to ensure that teachers and principals do not score assessments where they have a vested interest in the outcome, even in cases where the teacher is the only one in the district with the specific content expertise. Districts and BOCES should consult with their local counsel to determine what measures should be taken to mitigate against security risks (e.g., certification, periodic audits, etc.).
Again, please be sure to read these guidance questions closely to fully understand the revisions that have been made, as no changes have been made to the scoring conditions for grades 3-8 State and Regents assessments. (APPR Guidance can be found here: http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/appr-field-guidance.pdf)
Sent by Educator Eval Team (NYSED).
Because New York State’s teacher and principal evaluation policies are designed to make strong and equitable inferences about the effectiveness of our state’s educators, the Commissioner’s regulations prohibit teachers and principals from scoring assessments where they have a vested interest in the outcome. However, as explained in the updated G1 and G2, the Department recognizes that there may be rare instances in which this is not practicable (e.g., in K-2 when administering a reading inventory or when administering the NYSAA). In these instances, the Department recommends that districts and BOCES make every attempt possible to ensure that teachers and principals do not score assessments where they have a vested interest in the outcome, even in cases where the teacher is the only one in the district with the specific content expertise. Districts and BOCES should consult with their local counsel to determine what measures should be taken to mitigate against security risks (e.g., certification, periodic audits, etc.).
Again, please be sure to read these guidance questions closely to fully understand the revisions that have been made, as no changes have been made to the scoring conditions for grades 3-8 State and Regents assessments. (APPR Guidance can be found here: http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/appr-field-guidance.pdf)
Sent by Educator Eval Team (NYSED).