CS for SB 1598 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Corrections to contract with charter schools to provide education services in correctional facilities.

• Creates the Schools of Excellence Program designating high-performing schools (80th percentile or higher in school grades for at least 2 of 3 years) with administrative flexibilities including exemptions from minimum instructional time requirements, principal autonomy in hiring, and allowing 1 school year of employment to count as 20 inservice points toward professional certificate renewal (up to 60 points in 5-year cycle).

• Establishes a comprehensive teacher mentorship certification program allowing temporary certificate holders to earn professional certificates through mentorship with experienced peer mentors who must have 3+ years teaching experience and specialized training in clinical supervision.

• Removes the requirement for professional education competency examination passage for applicants who complete the comprehensive teacher mentorship certification program and are rated highly effective on their performance evaluation.

• Authorizes counties to allow public high schools, including charter schools, to locate on public or private postsecondary institution campuses and requires newly assigned principals at schools with D or F grades to receive principal autonomy authority.