Bill > S0980

This bill mandates that at least 50% of a classroom teacher's or school administrator's performance evaluation must be based on student learning growth or achievement, with a lower percentage if less than three years of student data are available, and the remaining portion based on other approved factors. Student achievement measures for courses with statewide assessments can only be used if a statewide growth formula isn't approved, and for district assessments, only if achievement is a more appropriate measure of teacher performance. For non-classroom instructional personnel, student performance data used in evaluations must reflect their actual contribution to student outcomes in their areas of responsibility. Student assessment data used for the performance salary schedule must come from statewide or district-mandated assessments in the subjects taught. Additionally, school districts must establish and publish schedules for district-mandated assessments on their websites and report them to the Department of Education. Crucially, students will not be assigned to a teacher who received a "needs improvement" or "unsatisfactory" performance evaluation rating in the preceding school year, with specific provisions for elementary, middle, and high school students, and an exception for extracurricular courses where parents can opt-in with informed consent.