Senate Bill 1581 Summary

• Extends probationary period for new teachers from 2-4 years to 4 years for all newly hired teachers, while teachers hired before June 11, 1993 remain under previous 2-year probationary rules.

• Requires teachers in their final probationary year to be rated as "effective" on performance evaluations under Michigan School Code Section 1249 to gain continuing tenure; failure to provide written evaluation no longer automatically constitutes satisfactory performance.

• Mandates probationary teachers receive individualized development plans with at least 2 classroom observations 60 days apart and annual performance evaluations based on those observations and progress toward development plan goals.

• Allows school districts to require teachers on continuing tenure who receive "ineffective" ratings for 2 consecutive years to serve another 4-year probationary period, during which they lose continuing tenure protections.

• Changes performance evaluation frequency for tenured teachers from every 3 years to annually, with individualized development plans required if ratings fall below satisfactory; bill effectiveness conditioned on passage of SB 1582.