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You have the right to have input to your performance measures. Performance measures are to be developed jointly by the employee and his/her supervisor, and they must meet the "SMART" principles (see FSH link below).

Make sure your supervisor documents exactly what will be required to meet fully successful and what is needed to rate at "exceeds" fully successful. For each performance element there are 3 possible ratings: Does not meet, meets, or exceeds.

Prior to your rating in the fall, supervisors must allow employees to provide input to their rating. Your input will be far more effective if you document throughout the year, so you have a record of what you have accomplished, and any significant barriers (such as new assignments, equipment failures, etc.) which may have prevented you from attaining the measures.

Do not sign Block 17 on the AD 435 cover sheet unless you have been provided written information and it is in sufficient detail that you understand it. This block is a signature block saying that "I have a copy ofthe USDA and Agency regulations on employee responsibilities and conduct. I have discussed them with my supervisor and questions have been answered to my satisfaction." The fact that you will now be rated on employee responsibilities in the areas of safety/CR/security makes this block very important.

You are entitled to sufficient official paid time to fully participate in the performance management system, and that includes learning about the system and getting adequate advice. Overall, going to a five level system will be a significant change in how performance appraisals will be done in the Forest Service. The summary ratings are important in determining awards, and they also come into play by adding to service time in a RIF situation. It is up to each employee to carefully work with his/her supervisor to ensure that there is a clear understanding and clear documentation of what is expected in the employee's work performance. You must learn about the system, take the AgLearn training seriously, pay attention, and seek guidance from the Forest Service Handbook ( http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/directives/fsh/6109.13/6109.13_10.doc). (Must be logged on to the FS system to make link work)