AZ HB2187

Requires school districts to establish teacher evaluation systems meeting state board standards, with at least one evaluation per certificated teacher annually, focusing on improving instruction.

Allows school districts and charter schools to measure student academic progress using instruments other than statewide assessments for teacher evaluation purposes.

Removes the requirement that preliminary notices of inadequacy be issued by a specific school year (2015-2016) and makes the notice requirement apply whenever a teacher is designated in lowest performance classifications for two consecutive years, with exceptions for new teachers or those newly assigned to different subjects or grades.

Modifies state board of education guidance on teacher and principal evaluation instruments to be periodically updated rather than maintained as a fixed model framework, and clarifies that districts are not restricted in choosing measurement tools or evaluation outcome formulas.

Amends certification requirements to allow subject matter expert teachers two years to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency, with temporary suspension rather than disciplinary action if they fail to meet requirements within that timeframe.