Provides relative to teacher evaluations (EG +$67,144 GF EX See Note)
Impact
If enacted, HB 995 is poised to reform existing state laws regarding teacher evaluations. It provides school boards the authority to create and implement the Teacher Effectiveness and Measurement (TEAM) system, which would include various components necessary for effective teaching. This could lead to more standardized and possibly more rigorous evaluation processes that take into account different measures of student growth, ultimately aiming to enhance educational outcomes in Louisiana.
Summary
House Bill 995, introduced by Representative Alfred Williams, seeks to enhance the evaluation process of teachers and administrators in Louisiana's public schools. The bill mandates the establishment of an advisory subcommittee under the Accountability Commission, tasked with reviewing and making recommendations on the overall effectiveness of the evaluation system. This initiative aims to adapt and improve current practices in teacher evaluations with a focus on ensuring accurate and fair assessment methods that reflect educators' contributions to student learning.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 995 has been cautiously optimistic among educational stakeholders. Supporters believe that the establishment of a dedicated advisory subcommittee and the introduction of a more robust evaluation system could lead to greater accountability and improvement in educational standards. However, there are concerns from some educators regarding the potential complexity of these evaluations and the adequacy of resources available to implement such changes effectively.
Contention
A notable point of contention regarding HB 995 revolves around its proposed recommendations for the evaluation program, including the preference for value-added assessment models (VAM). Critics are wary that a heavy reliance on such data-driven evaluations could undermine teachers' professional judgment and be problematic for educators in subjects where standardized testing may not accurately reflect student learning. Balancing quantitative measures with qualitative assessments remains a critical discussion point as the state contemplates these changes.
Requires the convening of a subcommittee of the Accountability Commission to make recommendations relative to the evaluation of teachers and administrators (EN +$67,144 GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the Dedicated Fund Review Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. (7/1/20) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Authorizes and requests the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development to appoint a subcommittee to study and address the devastation of the forest industry due to the infestation of beetles
Requires publication of certain contracts and reports on the Internet and and creates task force which is authorized to study and make annual assessments of state contracts. (7/1/16) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Establishes a subcommittee of the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice to examine matters relative to missing persons and unidentified and unclaimed remains