AR HB1652

Replaces terminology from "professional learning" to "professional growth" throughout the Teacher Excellence and Support System statutes to clarify distinctions between professional development plans and professional growth plans.

Expands classroom observation methods to include three-hundred-sixty-degree video technology and other appropriate technology for digital learning environments in addition to traditional in-classroom observations.

Extends the summative evaluation cycle from every three years to every four years for teachers not in a status requiring more frequent evaluation, while allowing non-evaluation years to focus on professional growth plan elements.

Repeals prior requirements for external assessment measures in tested and nontested content areas, replacing them with flexibility for teachers and evaluators to select appropriate artifacts and assessments by agreement.

Adds definitions for "professional development plan" and "professional growth plan" and requires that at least one-half of required professional development hours be directly related to teacher content areas, instructional strategies, or identified individual needs.