SB 333 Summary

• Creates the "Terri Paden Equitable Recognition Act" establishing an Academic Achievement Award (AAA) program providing monetary awards to qualified employees at high-performing schools.

• Awards are distributed to schools based on multiple criteria including highest overall student achievement (measured by three-year average API scores), highest annual improvement in student achievement, achievement of API scores of 1,500 or higher, or attainment of Gold/Silver/Bronze performance levels.

• Monetary awards range from $250 to $2,000 per qualified employee depending on school performance category and funding availability.

• Defines "qualified employees" as certified personnel (teachers, principals, counselors, etc.) employed at least 85 days or equivalent hours during the final school year used to calculate API scores, including part-time and charter school employees.

• Effective July 1, 2011, with emergency clause making the act immediately effective upon passage and approval.