Bill Summary: S361 - Excellent Public Schools Act of 2013

• Allows state employees to volunteer up to 5 hours monthly in public school literacy programs with paid leave time.

• Limits practice testing to 2 days per year, restricts field tests during 2 weeks before end-of-grade/course tests, and requires annual assessments to be administered in final 10 instructional days for year-long courses and final 5 days for semester courses.

• Strengthens teacher licensure by requiring enhanced continuing education credits (at least 8 total with 3 in subject area), enhanced entry requirements into teacher education programs, and assessment of reading and math instruction competencies for elementary teachers.

• Establishes school performance grades (A-F) based on proficiency scores in reading, math, science, college/career readiness, and graduation rates, with separate indicator for student growth using EVAAS.

• Replaces career status system with one-year and four-year teacher contracts, eliminates tenure, and establishes new dismissal procedures with specific grounds and hearing rights for teachers employed on contracts beginning July 1, 2014.