SB 1213

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on and after September 1, 2019, all teacher evaluation ratings on record as "excellent", "proficient", or "needs improvement" are considered "effective" and all teacher evaluation ratings on record as "unsatisfactory" are considered "ineffective" for the purposes of the Employment of Teachers Article. Makes other changes concerning the waiver or modification of mandates; school report cards; license suspension or revocation; contractual continued service; removal or dismissal of teachers; an optional alternative evaluative dismissal process; evaluation plans; a local appeal process for ineffective ratings; rules; the appointment and promotion of teachers in Chicago; alternative procedures for teacher evaluation, remediation, and removal in Chicago; and the Open Meetings Act. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25g from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25g 105 ILCS 5/10-17a from Ch. 122, par. 10-17a 105 ILCS 5/21B-75 105 ILCS 5/24-9.5 new 105 ILCS 5/24-11 from Ch. 122, par. 24-11 105 ILCS 5/24-12 from Ch. 122, par. 24-12 105 ILCS 5/24-16.5 105 ILCS 5/24A-4 from Ch. 122, par. 24A-4 105 ILCS 5/24A-5 from Ch. 122, par. 24A-5 105 ILCS 5/24A-7 from Ch. 122, par. 24A-7 105 ILCS 5/34-84 from Ch. 122, par. 34-84 105 ILCS 5/34-85c Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. With regard to teacher evaluation ratings, provides that, beginning with the first school year following the effective date of the amendatory Act, each school district shall, in good faith cooperation with its teachers or, if applicable, through good faith bargaining with the exclusive bargaining representative of its teachers develop and implement an appeals process for "unsatisfactory" ratings that includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the original rating by a panel of qualified evaluators agreed to by a joint committee that has the power to reevaluate and re-rate a teacher who appeals. Requires the joint committee to determine the criteria for successful appeals. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds a cross-reference. Makes grammatical changes. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the panel of qualified evaluators has the power to revoke the "unsatisfactory" rating it deems to be erroneous (rather than the power to reevaluate and re-rate a teacher who appeals). Provides that the issuance of a rating to replace an "unsatisfactory" rating must be determined through bargaining between the exclusive bargaining representative and the school district. Effective immediately.