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

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is seeking applications from Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) for a variance that would allow the use of teacher and/or principal practice rubrics not on NYSED’s Approved List. LEAs may request a variance for an existing self‑developed or third‑party rubric, or for a brand‑new innovative rubric, provided the rubric aligns with state standards, includes observable behaviors, supports the four NYSED effectiveness categories, and is backed by a robust training and reliability plan. Applications are reviewed continuously, with NYSED aiming to respond within eight weeks. Approved variances are granted for up to three school years for existing rubrics (or two years for new rubrics) and can be renewed for up to five years if effectiveness is demonstrated. • Eligible applicants: individual school districts, BOCES, or consortia of districts. • Required deliverables: full rubric, rationale, alignment to standards, evidence of differentiated ratings, training and inter‑rater reliability plan, investment summary (for existing rubrics) or data‑collection plan (for new rubrics), and required assurance signatures. • No funding is provided by NYSED; the LEA must self‑fund development, training, and implementation.