Request for Qualifications: Teacher and Principal Evaluation: Teacher and Principal Practice Rubric Variance

To implement the provisions of Education Law §3012-d as amended by Chapter 59 of the Laws of 2019 relating to annual professional performance reviews of classroom teachers and building principals, the New York State Education Department (“NYSED” or “Department”), strongly encourages local educational agencies (LEAs) to select teacher and principal practice rubrics from the Department’s List of Approved Teacher and Principal Practice Rubrics (“Approved List”). In limited circumstances, however, LEAs may apply for a variance to use a teacher and/or principal practice rubric other than those on the Approved List. 

LEAs may use this application to request a variance to use: (1) an existing rubric that is self-developed, developed by a third party, or an adaptation of a rubric on the Department’s Approved List; or (2) a new, innovative rubric that will support their professional capacity to successfully implement teacher and principal evaluations. If an LEA’s variance application is approved, the LEA may use the practice rubric to implement teacher and principal evaluations in accordance with Education Law §3012-d as amended.

Submissions received will be reviewed on a continuous and ongoing basis.  When received, the Department will electronically confirm receipt of a submitted application.  It is anticipated that reviews will be completed and notification to the applicant will be sent within 8 weeks from the time of receipt.