Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill that implements school improvement and education accountability.

Highlights:

• Requires the district school board to create, amend, or continue a school improvement plan for each school in the district that has a “D” or “F” grade (Sec. 1).

• Requires schools that serve students in grades K-8 to create an early warning system to identify students who need additional academic support or assistance with staying engaged in school (Sec. 1).

• Requires the early warning system to be triggered when two or more of these indicators are present (Sec. 1):

• Student attendance is below 90% whether the absences were excused or unexcused;

• 1 or more suspensions have occurred, whether they were in school or out-of-school;

• Course failure in English language arts or mathematics during any grading period; and

• A substantial reading deficiency is present in students enrolled in kindergarten through third grade.

• Requires failing school districts to implement a board of education approved turnaround plan for the remainder of the school year and for the entire subsequent school year (Sec. 2).

• Requires a charter school’s contract to be revoked if the school earns two consecutive “F” grades (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes charter schools run by nonprofit entities to be designated as “schools of hope” and authorizes them to receive state funding for school construction needs and other startup-related expenses (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text