DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Alfred Williams HB No. 995
Abstract: Provides for the Teacher Effectiveness and Measurement (TEAM) system to measure
the effectiveness of teachers and administrators; eliminates the use of a value-added
assessment model.
Present law requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to provide
for a statewide school and district accountability system based on student achievement and
minimum standards for the approval of schools. Further provides that such system be based in
part on growth in student achievement using a value-added assessment model.
Proposed law deletes the requirement for use of a value-added assessment model and provides
instead that, beginning with 2015-2016 school year, the school and district accountability system
be based upon multiple indicators of student growth and achievement from multiple data sources
as provided in the Teacher Effectiveness and Measurement (TEAM) system as provided in
proposed law.
Present law requires that a teacher or administrator who is rated "ineffective" pursuant to the
teacher and administrator evaluation system shall be placed in an intensive assistance program
designed to remedy the teacher's deficiencies. Provides that the teacher be re-evaluated after
placement in an intensive assistance program. If the teacher receives a second "ineffective" rating
after being re-evaluated, the local school board is required to initiate termination proceedings.
Proposed law retains present law but requires that the second evaluation be performed within the
next school year following the "ineffective" rating and placement of the teacher in an intensive
assistance program. Provides that if the teacher receives a second "ineffective" rating, the local
board may initiate termination proceedings, but is not required to do so.
Proposed law requires BESE to develop and implement the Teacher Effectiveness and
Measurement (TEAM) system to be used by local school boards to measure teacher and
administrator effectiveness. Further provides that the TEAM system, at a minimum, shall require
teachers and administrators to:
(1)Apply the components of effective teaching as prescribed by the state board.
(2)Demonstrate knowledge of cognitive development stages appropriate for their
grade/subject area. (3)Engage in curriculum reading and interfacing specific content to student cognitive
growth.
(4)Engage in ongoing training and practice in testing and measurement of student
achievement.
(5)Demonstrate the ability to perform data analysis of norm-referenced and criterion-
referenced tests.
Proposed law further provides that:
(1)No teacher or administrator shall be evaluated based primarily upon the results of a single
test.
(2)The TEAM system shall require each school board to provide in-service training
regarding team building, collaboration, fostering parent-teacher relationships, laws
governing teacher and administrator professional behavior.
(3)Every teacher and administrator shall be provided with a professional electronic teacher
portfolio to support and facilitate the evaluation process.
(4)The TEAM system shall provide for peer assistance teams which support teachers and
administrators in key professional areas, including but not limited to curriculum
development, development of critical thinking skills, and effective student assessment.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:10.1(B), 3881(A), and 3902(B)(5) and (C)(1) and (2)(a) and (b)(v); Adds R.S.
17:3902.1)