Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The U.S. Department of Education approved New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan in January 2018. In developing the plan, the New York State Education Department engaged diverse groups of stakeholders to solicit recommendations on how to craft an ESSA plan that best meets the needs of the state’s students, schools, and communities. The plan emphasizes fostering equity in education for all students and expands measures for school accountability and student success.

The Herkimer Central School District administers a number of programs through the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan. Anyone with concerns that the district has violated a law, rule, or regulation in the administration of these programs can view the following information: New York State ESSA-Funded Programs Complaint Procedures.

Teacher Qualifications

Please be advised that in compliance with federal statutory and regulatory requirements, you may make written inquiry with respect to the following:

• Whether your child’s classroom teacher has met NYS qualification and licensing criteria for the grade and subject areas in which they provide instruction
• Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which NYS qualification or licensing criteria have been waived
• The baccalaureate degree major of your child’s teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by your child’s teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications

Any request for the above stated should be made in writing to the building principal.

Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)

New York State Education Law requires each classroom teacher and school principal to receive an annual professional performance review (APPR) that results in a composite effectiveness score and rating.

All parents/guardians have the right to obtain the APPR quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once they are available.

To initiate this request, please contact Director of Student Programs and Curriculum Michelle Ploss at (315) 866-2230 ext. 1001.

View Herkimer CSD’s APPR Plan (via New York State Education Department website).