MI SB0797

Requires performance evaluations for teachers and administrators to prioritize individual performance (student growth, pedagogical skills, classroom management) as the majority factor in personnel decisions, with length of service or tenure status prohibited as the primary determining factor and only allowed as a tiebreaker when all other factors are equal.

Modifies teacher evaluation rating system to use "highly effective, effective, minimally effective, and ineffective" categories with 40% of year-end evaluations based on student growth and assessment data, and requires 3-consecutive year ratings of ineffective to trigger mandatory dismissal.

Changes professional teaching certificate requirements to mandate 3 years of teaching experience and a rating of effective or highly effective on performance evaluations for 3 consecutive or 3 nonconsecutive school years before initial professional certificate issuance.

Establishes advanced professional education certificate requirements tied to performance evaluations, requiring individuals to be rated highly effective or effective for 3 of the 5 most recent school years with no ineffective ratings in that period.

Modifies early literacy intervention requirements for grades K-3 students with reading deficiencies, including assignment to highly effective reading teachers and intensive intervention services, with first reading assessment within 30 school days of the academic year.