SB 372 Summary

• Repeals the Teacher Tenure Act (sections 168.102-168.130) effective July 1, 2012 and establishes the new "Teacher Continuing Contract Act" (sections 168.1000-168.1030) for all public schools including charter schools.

• Implements performance-based teacher evaluations where 50% is based on student performance and 50% on teaching standards, with teacher compensation tied to evaluation tiers (tier 1-4) determining contract lengths of 1-4 years.

• Places all teachers with existing tenure on probationary contracts as of July 1, 2012; new teachers must complete probationary periods (2 one-year contracts for novice teachers, potentially 2 years for transfer teachers) before earning continuing contracts.

• Allows school boards to modify continuing contracts by May 15th regarding compensation, contract length, and performance pay based on evaluation scores and student performance data.

• Requires minimum teacher salaries of $25,000 annually (as of school year 2009-10) and establishes procedures for contract termination based on unsatisfactory performance, immoral conduct, insubordination, or criminal conviction.