Louisiana House Bill HR136

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/18
• Refer: 4/25/18

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the possibility of lowering the performance rating required for teachers to be granted tenure or to reacquire tenure

Impact

If adopted, HR 136 could significantly alter the tenure evaluation process for teachers in Louisiana. By lowering the performance standards from 'highly effective' to 'effective: proficient,' the resolution aims to make tenure more attainable. It could lead to an influx of teachers being granted tenure, impacting job security and the evaluation metrics used within the education system. Furthermore, this could have consequential implications for how teacher performance is assessed and rewarded under state law.

Summary

House Resolution 136 urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to evaluate the possibility of reducing the performance rating required for teachers to obtain or reacquire tenure. Currently, Louisiana law mandates that teachers must achieve a 'highly effective' rating over a span of five years within a six-year period to secure tenure. This resolution arises from concerns expressed by education stakeholders regarding the strictness of these performance requirements. The findings and recommendations from the study are to be reported to the House Committee on Education ahead of the 2019 Regular Session.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 136 appears to be mixed among educators and stakeholders. Proponents argue that relaxing the tenure requirements would support teachers who may be performing well but aren't classified as 'highly effective.' They contend that this could foster a more supportive environment for educators, ultimately benefiting student outcomes. Conversely, critics may view this shift as a lowering of standards that could undermine the quality of education and teaching effectiveness in Louisiana.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HR 136 involves the balance between maintaining high educational standards and ensuring job security for teachers. While supporters of the resolution advocate for lowering performance thresholds to encourage teacher retention, opponents may express concern that it could dilute the importance of performance evaluations in upholding teaching quality. The discussion highlights the broader debate about education reform and how best to support teachers while ensuring accountability for student achievement.