Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires performance to be the primary factor when dismissing teachers.

Highlights:

• Requires local school boards of education to consider teacher performance as at least 70 percent of the final decision of a teacher dismissal decision (Sec. A).

• Prohibits a local school board of education from considering seniority, years of service, or salary as factors for dismissing teachers (Sec. A).

• Requires a local school board of education to weigh instances of teacher misconduct, criminal conduct, or excessive unexcused absences when dismissing teachers (Sec. A).

• Requires a local school board of education to weigh “significant, relevant contributions” or “relevant special training, certifications or licenses” in favor of teachers (Sec. A).

• Requires teacher contracts, principal contracts, and collective bargaining agreements to allow the result of an evaluation to be considered as a factor for dismissal (Sec. A).

• Repeals the requirement that new appointments must first be granted to teachers who are on a leave of absence, “adequately qualified,” and of 70 years of age or less (Sec. A).

Full Bill Text