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 555 Original 2021 Regular Session Thompson
Abstract: Prohibits the use of data derived from a value-added model (VAM) as a factor in
measuring student growth for the purpose of teacher evaluations.
Present law requires annual evaluations of all public school teachers and administrators. Provides
that the elements of evaluation and standards for effectiveness shall be defined by BESE. Provides
that evaluation plans include a job description, a professional growth plan, observation and
conferencing, classroom visitation, and a measure of effectiveness. Proposed law retains present law.
Relative to the measure of effectiveness, present law requires that 50% of each evaluation be based
on evidence of growth in student achievement, as determined by BESE, using a value-added model
(commonly known as VAM). Proposed law retains the requirement that 50% of each evaluation be
based on evidence of growth in student achievement as determined by BESE but prohibits the use
of VAM data and requires BESE to study best practices from other states with respect to developing
a method for measuring student growth.
Present law provides for a subcommittee of the BESE's Accountability Commission to study and
report relative to the effectiveness of the evaluation program, including VAM. Proposed law repeals
present law provisions relative to this subcommittee, which was subject to several reporting
deadlines that have passed.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17: 3881(A), 3886(A), 3902(B)(5), and 3997(D)(1)(a) and (2)(a); Repeals R.S.
17:3883(A)(6), (7), and (8))