This too is extremely 'vague' as many of the district lawyers have explained at legal clinics throughout the state. I don't believe we ever truly understood the past underpinings of APPR, therefore, it is probably in our best interests to understand it in the new format. Currently, we as principals, are rated via four categories, outstanding, satisfactory, needs improvement or unsatisfactory. The new rating categories are highly effective, effective, developing and ineffective--different words, same meanings??