HB 5223 Summary

• Requires school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies to adopt rigorous, transparent, and fair performance evaluation systems for all teachers and school administrators by September 1, 2011, with annual evaluations and student growth data as a significant factor.

• Mandates that beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, teacher annual year-end evaluations include at least 25% student growth and assessment data for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years, escalating to 40% by 2017-2018, with state-approved evaluation tools (Danielson Framework, Marzano Model, Thoughtful Classroom, or 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning).

• Establishes four effectiveness rating categories (highly effective, effective, minimally effective, ineffective) and requires dismissal of teachers rated ineffective for 3 consecutive years under the same evaluation system, while allowing biennial evaluations for highly effective teachers.

• Prohibits students from being assigned to the same teacher rated as ineffective on their 2 most recent evaluations for 2 consecutive years in the same subject area, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, unless the school district notifies parents in writing by July 15.

• Requires professional teaching certificate applicants beginning July 1, 2015 to have been rated effective or highly effective on annual evaluations for either 3 consecutive school years or at least 3 nonconsecutive school years with a principal's recommendation.