MN SF1678

Refocuses educator relicensure requirements on performance by requiring applicants to demonstrate professional reflection, growth in best teaching practices, support for student learning, use of best practices techniques, collaborative work with colleagues, and continual professional development, effective July 1, 2012.

Revises probationary and continuing contract teacher review processes to include mentoring, coaching by trained observers, and professional learning communities in place of traditional peer review structures.

Requires alternative teacher professional pay systems to base at least 60 percent of compensation increases on teacher performance using schoolwide student achievement gains, student achievement measures, and evidence of effective practice aligned with educational improvement plans.

Establishes application and approval process for alternative teacher professional pay systems with March 1, June 1, or October 1 submission deadlines and 30-day commissioner review timelines.

Aligns staff development plans with relicensure requirements and emphasizes job-embedded professional learning including coaching, professional learning communities, classroom action research, and support for teaching students with special needs and limited English proficiency.