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)]
HB 479 Original 2016 Regular Session Ivey
Abstract: Relative to the evaluation of teachers and administrators, reduces percentage of which an
evaluation shall be based on growth in student achievement to a maximum of 35% and grants
local school boards discretion, within specified parameters, in determining this percentage
at "A", "B", and "C" schools.
Present law requires annual evaluations by local public school boards of all teachers and
administrators in accordance with State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) rules
and regulations. Provides that the elements of evaluation and standards for effectiveness shall be
defined by BESE. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires that 50% of each evaluation be based on evidence of growth in student
achievement using a value-added assessment model as determined by BESE (commonly known as
"VAM"). Proposed law reduces this percentage for certain schools and grants the local school board
discretion in determining this percentage within specified parameters for others, according to the
school's letter grade pursuant to the school and district accountability system. For "D" and "F"
schools, lowers this percentage from 50% to 35%. For "C" schools, grants the school board
discretion within a 25-35% range, and for "A" and "B" schools, grants the school board discretion
within a 15-35% range.
Present law requires that at the conclusion of the evaluation the evaluator shall determine if the
teacher or administrator is effective or ineffective. Requires BESE annually to report to the House
and Senate education committees regarding the implementation, results, and effectiveness of the
value-added assessment model. Proposed law retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:3902(B)(5))