Texas House Bill HB2941

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to improving the quality of teachers employed by a school district, teacher performance appraisals, and the hiring of mentor teachers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2941 would necessitate modifications to the Texas Education Code, particularly concerning the processes by which teachers are appraised and mentored. The bill mandates that school districts must adopt a quality improvement plan and ensures regular review of this plan every five years. Public accountability is also enhanced, as districts are required to submit annual reports detailing their plans to the commissioner of education, who will make these reports accessible to the public. This transparency could lead to greater stakeholder engagement in educational governance.

Summary

House Bill 2941, proposed by Representative Dutton, aims to enhance the quality of teachers in Texas school districts by instituting a comprehensive Teacher Quality Plan. This plan requires each school district to outline its strategies to improve teacher quality, including performance evaluations, professional development, mentoring programs, and compensation decisions based on appraisals. The emphasis is placed on ensuring that teacher performance appraisals are a significant factor in determining professional development opportunities, career advancement, and compensation, aiming to create a more structured and merit-based evaluation system across districts.

Contention

While the bill aims to elevate educational standards, potential points of contention may center on its implementation and resource allocation. Critics might express concerns about the feasibility of the proposed teacher quality plans, particularly in low-income districts that may struggle with funding and resources required to execute such plans effectively. Additionally, the reliance on performance evaluations could lead to debates about fairness and equity, particularly for teachers working in challenging environments, as well as how such evaluations may impact teacher retention and job satisfaction.