NY A09849

Repeals Education Law Section 3020-b, which established streamlined removal procedures for teachers rated ineffective, eliminating the expedited dismissal process based on performance ratings.

Creates optional new Section 3012-e allowing school districts and boards of cooperative educational services to adopt performance review plans as an alternative to existing evaluation systems starting in 2024-2025, with mandatory adoption by June 30, 2032.

Removes requirements that teachers and principals receive "effective" or "highly effective" ratings on annual professional performance reviews to qualify for tenure, eliminating performance rating thresholds for tenure eligibility.

Establishes new performance review framework with four rating levels (Level 1-4) addressing teaching and educational leadership standards, including requirements for multiple measures, classroom observations, and personalized professional development plans for lower-rated employees.

Eliminates language treating consecutive "ineffective" performance ratings as prima facie evidence of incompetence for removal purposes under collective bargaining agreements.