new teacher q & a
Q:What is a D-rating? Is there anything I can do if I get one?
May 22, 2008 11:53 AM
A:If you work for 21 days or longer, state regulations authorize your principal to rate you at the end of the school year. The rating can be S (satisfactory), U (unsatisfactory), D (doubtful) or NA (not applicable).
A D-rating may only be given to teachers during their first year of probation, provided that their probationary service will continue for more than one year. A principal must cite supporting data for giving a D-rating.
A D-rating does not have the negative implications that a U-rating has, such as discontinuance of probation or a freeze on the salary steps. However, a D-rating may lead a supervisor to request an extension of the probationary period.
You have several options if you receive a D-rating:
File for an appeal. Department of Education bylaws allow a teacher to appeal a D-rating in the same manner as an appeal of a U-rating; that is, within three weeks from the date the rating was received, exclusive of the summer vacation. If you receive either a U- or a D-rating, contact your UFT borough office immediately and ask for a rating specialist.
Identify specific areas that need improvement. Your principal and/or supervisor should tell you explicitly what you need to improve and should offer you support and guidance toward making improvement. If you are not sure why you received a D-rating, it’s better to get this information clearly stated by the administrator who rates you than to work with assumptions.
Ask for a brief appointment. Discuss your rating at a time when your supervisor or principal can give you full attention. Before your appointment, meet with your chapter leader who may have additional advice for you. Since this is not a disciplinary meeting, your chapter leader is not required to accompany you, though you can ask him or her to be present.
At the meeting, tell your principal or supervisor that you are concerned about the D-rating and want to improve. Most important, take notes on all the items that are brought to your attention and ask questions if there is something you don’t completely understand.
Before the meeting ends, say something like, “Let me make sure I have this right.” Then read your list back to your principal or supervisor so it is clear that you have understood correctly. (This is not the time to disagree or take issue with what you are told. You can discuss that later with your chapter leader or other union representatives.)
Get UFT help with making the improvements you need. Once you have this list of improvements in hand, call your UFT borough office and ask for an appointment with an educational liaison. Each borough office has these specially trained staff members who can advise you themselves or refer you to other union experts or a Teacher Center staffer to create a plan and get you the help you need. The ed liaison can also guide you on how best to receive support from your colleagues and supervisor. Avail yourself of this free, confidential assistance as soon as possible so you have plenty of time to make progress before your next rating.
At this time, you can also discuss any items that you disagree with or think are questionable or unreasonable. As you move forward with your plan, remember to keep your UFT chapter leader and district representative informed about any further problems you encounter during the school year.
