HB 588 Summary

• State Superintendent of Education must develop a school grading system using traditional A-F grades to reflect school and district performance, with system design due by December 31, 2012 and implementation by 2013-2014 school year.

• School grades shall be based on student achievement scores, achievement gap, college and career readiness, learning gains, and other indicators determined by the State Superintendent.

• Creates Legislative School Performance Recognition Program to reward schools ranked in top 25 percent of public schools or schools improving by at least one letter grade annually.

• Eligible schools receive financial awards on competitive basis, with maximum 20 percent of appropriation for top performers and remaining funds for schools showing exemplary progress; no school eligible for both award categories simultaneously.

• Award-eligible schools gain flexibility to be exempt from state fund usage restrictions and categorical spending requirements, except those tied to federal funds.