What would you do if you could design a meaningful teacher evaluation system?

That's the question NYSUT is delving into as it moves to the second phase of an application process for a new grant from one of the union's national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers.

Out of 126 proposals submitted to the AFT Innovation Fund from throughout the country, NYSUT was one of 15 applicants asked to submit more detailed information for its research-based plan to pilot a new teacher evaluation system.

The plan, which has the potential to transform teacher evaluation, would link three critical elements: teaching standards, a comprehensive teacher evaluation system and differentiated professional development.

"The centerpiece of this plan is creating a collaborative labor-management environment," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. "This AFT grant would enable us to lead the way in defining our profession."

As envisioned, the new evaluation system would be piloted in a variety of volunteer districts, including Plattsburgh, Albany, Marlboro, Syracuse and Hastings. It would include a peer assistance and review model.

The Kenmore district in western New York, which has 20 years of experience with a collaborative peer assistance and review program (see page 7), has offered to be a helping partner.

AFT's first round of three-year grants is expected to be announced in early October.

The Innovation Fund is a $2.8 million joint venture to put the resources of both the AFT and some of the nation's largest foundations behind reforms designed by teachers and the unions that support them.

If NYSUT wins the grant, first-year funding would be used for planning in the pilot districts. 

Implementation would begin next school year. In years two and three, other local unions will be encouraged to participate.