HB4256 Summary

• Amends Illinois School Code to modify teacher evaluation timelines, allowing teachers rated "excellent" or "proficient" to be evaluated once every 3 school years instead of every 2 years, effective by September 1, 2022.

• Requires implementation of informal teacher observation plans for highly-rated teachers (rated "excellent" or "proficient"), with observations occurring at least once every 2 school years following the rating.

• For the 2022-2023 school year only, permits school districts to waive evaluations for teachers and principals rated "excellent" or "proficient" if the Governor declares a public health emergency disaster.

• Pauses remediation plan timelines during Governor-declared public health emergencies suspending in-person instruction; remediation plans active for 45+ days resume upon return, while plans active for fewer than 45 days are discontinued and restarted.

• Extends alternative teacher evaluation procedures for Article 34 school districts (Chicago Public Schools) to include the same 3-year evaluation cycle and informal observation requirements for highly-rated teachers.