AZ SB1444

Establishes a performance funding system for school districts and charter schools based on achievement scores and improvement, with payments calculated using a two-hundred-point scale framework.

Creates an "Achievement Payment" based on current achievement scores and an "Improvement Payment" based on year-over-year progress, with both capped at $500 per student; phased in gradually from 2013-2014 through 2016-2017.

Requires the Department of Education to post performance funding information for each school district and charter school on its website by October 15 annually, including per-pupil achievement and improvement payments.

Directs the state board to contract with an independent organization to evaluate the effectiveness of performance funding by December 31, 2017, and requires the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to conduct a public review hearing by November 15, 2017.

Excludes joint technical education districts from the performance funding system and requires the Department of Education to develop transition procedures for changing from AIMS test to a college and career readiness competency test by August 15, 2015.