Bill > HB1939

This bill makes several amendments to Arkansas education law regarding teacher evaluations, incentives, and merit pay. For teachers with National Board certification, a new provision stipulates that they will not be eligible for incentive funds after July 1, 2025 unless they have met specific requirements. The bill modifies summative evaluation rules to allow evaluations to be conducted digitally or in writing, and permits schools to incorporate peer observations and student feedback into teacher assessments. The legislation introduces the concept of an "annual rating" for years when a full summative evaluation is not performed, which will be based on observations and potentially a teacher's professional growth plan. The bill also updates eligibility criteria for the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, requiring districts to perform annual ratings that include components from the state-approved evaluation system. Additionally, the bill clarifies how student performance growth will be calculated, including using value-added growth model scores where possible, and expands eligibility criteria to include mentors, aspiring teachers in residencies, and teachers in critical shortage areas or historically understaffed schools.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1939&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R