SB 24 - Educational Competitiveness Summary

• Revises equalization aid grants for Connecticut towns for fiscal years 2012-2013, with increases for most towns ranging from approximately $36,610 (Andover) to $4.4 million (Bridgeport) compared to the prior year.

• Establishes "alliance districts" (up to 30 school districts) and "educational reform districts" based on performance indices, requiring minimum local funding percentages (20-30%) and conditional state funding tied to approved improvement plans.

• Requires annual teacher and administrator evaluations using four performance designators (exemplary, proficient, developing, below standard) with professional development requirements and creates a "distinguished educator" designation for high-performing educators.

• Reforms teacher certification by replacing provisional educator certificates with initial educator certificates (valid 8 years) and requiring master's degrees for professional educator certification (valid 5 years).

• Renames "regional vocational-technical schools" to "technical high schools" and establishes a technical high school system board with industry executives; increases state charter school funding to $10,500 per student for fiscal year 2013 and beyond.