MO HB631

Changes the definition of "permanent teacher" from five years of employment to at least four consecutive years with four consecutive ratings of "effective" or "highly effective" on annual performance evaluations.

Requires school districts to base teacher layoff decisions primarily on educator evaluations under section 168.128 rather than seniority alone, though districts may identify specific content or grade areas for reductions.

Mandates implementation of performance-based evaluation systems for all teachers that include student achievement and growth as at least 33 percent of evaluations, with four rating levels: "highly effective," "effective," "minimally effective," and "ineffective."

Prohibits renewal of probationary teacher contracts if rated "ineffective" for two consecutive years and prohibits retention of permanent teachers after three consecutive "ineffective" ratings.

Requires individualized development plans for teachers receiving "ineffective" or "minimally effective" ratings and applies evaluation requirements to both traditional public school districts and metropolitan school districts.