New York State Evaluation System
The ֲý believes that well-designed and implemented evaluation systems can help to support teachers and school leaders by encouraging reflection and goal-setting; creating opportunities for collaboration among educators; providing timely, actionable feedback that supports growth and development; identifying personalized professional learning opportunities; and recognizing excellent educators and creating opportunities for great teachers to remain in the classroom, while advancing their careers through teacher leadership roles such as school-based teacher educators, mentor teachers, instructional coaches, and other differentiated roles.
On Friday, June 28, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Chapter 143 of the Laws of 2024, which amends ֲý Law §3012-d and establishes ֲý Law §3012-e. Accordingly, school districts and Boards of Cooperative ֲýal Services (BOCES) will transition to new teacher and principal evaluation systems beginning in the 2024- 25 school year,as described in a Memo to the Field dated July 2, 2024.
The enactment of ֲý Law §3012-e provides an opportunity for school districts and BOCES to reflect on their current educator evaluation practices and to develop new locally designed systems consistent with NYSED’s vision and our shared goal of supporting teacher and leader development across the career continuum. These new Standards-based Educator Evaluation and Professional Support (“STEPS”) plans should support all educators’ professional growth as a part of a comprehensive, systematic approach to advancing excellence in teaching and learning aligned to our New York State Teaching Standards and ֲýal Leadership Standards, including the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining ֲý Framework. Through multiple measures, including observations, educators will receive meaningful feedback on their practice and intentional professional learning and growth opportunities.
Status of Current Educator Evaluation Plans and Next Steps
The new evaluation law provides that LEAs may keep their currently approved ֲý Law §3012-d educator evaluation plans through the 2031-32 school year. Additionally, the law allows LEAs to submit material changes to those plans through that same time period. LEAs must adopt a STEPS plan by June 30, 2032 of the 2031-32 school year.
Adoption of Regulations
At theMarch 2025 meeting, the Board of Regents adoptednecessary to implement ֲý Law §3012-e starting in the 2024-2025 school year.
Resources and Additional Information
For more information on the new Standards-based Educator Evaluation and Professional Support (“STEPS”) system, visitNYS-STEPS (ֲý Law §3012-e).