SB1740 Summary

• Changes teacher evaluation rating categories effective September 1, 2018, converting four-tier system ("excellent," "proficient," "needs improvement," "unsatisfactory") to two-tier system ("effective" and "ineffective"), with prior ratings automatically converted for record purposes.

• Makes student growth data optional rather than mandatory in teacher evaluations beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, allowing districts to discontinue use if agreed to by both district and teachers or their representatives.

• Establishes local appeals process for "ineffective" ratings beginning with the first school year after enactment, requiring districts to develop appeals procedures in cooperation with teachers that include assessment by qualified evaluator panels with power to re-rate teachers.

• Adds exemption for joint committees formed under teacher evaluation and dismissal procedures from Open Meetings Act requirements, allowing closed-door discussions between districts and teacher representatives.

• Makes various procedural updates to teacher dismissal processes, contractual continued service requirements, and evaluation plan development to align with the shift from four-tier to two-tier rating system effective September 1, 2018.