AL HB478

Amends Section 16-1-33 of the Code of Alabama to expand requirements for local board of education reduction-in-force policies.

By the 2015-2016 academic year, seniority may not be the most significant factor in reduction-in-force decisions.

By the 2016-2017 academic year, policies must consider an employee's demonstrated experience in providing quality instruction based on annual performance evaluations that include student growth measures, with seniority explicitly prohibited as a substitute for experience.

Advanced degrees in subject matter, subject-specific certification, or early childhood education may be considered as factors, but employee salary may not influence reduction-in-force decisions.

All reduction-in-force policies must comply with state and federal antidiscrimination laws, rules, and regulations.