HB 1539 Summary

• Suspends calculation of school site grades and performance designations for the 2015-2016 school year; schools will retain their 2014-2015 grades during this transition period.

• Directs State Board of Education to study and revise all calculation metrics of school report cards during 2015-2016 to ensure the system is clear, statistically trustworthy, and credible.

• Establishes school grading formula based on 50% whole school performance, 25% whole school growth, and 25% growth in bottom quartile of students, with bonus points for high school graduation rates, advanced coursework participation, and attendance.

• Requires annual school report cards to include overall grades (A+ through F), grades in multiple categories (graduation rates, college coursework, standardized test performance, dropout rates, attendance), and school improvement information.

• Effective July 1, 2015, with emergency declaration allowing immediate implementation.