TX
Texas House Bill HB354

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB354

Caption

Relating to the adoption of teacher performance contracts for classroom teachers and an increased basic allotment for school districts that adopt those contracts.

Impact

The bill proposes an increase in funding for school districts that choose to implement these teacher performance contracts. The basic allotment received by these districts is adjusted upwards based on the number of teachers that enter into such contracts, incentivizing schools to improve teacher recruitment and retention. By linking teacher compensation to performance metrics such as student achievement and classroom observations, the bill looks to create a more accountable teaching environment and drive academic success for students.

Summary

House Bill 354 aims to introduce a framework for teacher performance contracts in Texas schools, allowing districts to adopt specific contracts that guide classroom teacher performance improvement. This bill amends the Education Code by adding Subchapter H-1, detailing the establishment of teacher performance contracts, the evaluation system that assesses teachers based on performance criteria, and additional compensation tied to performance levels. Essentially, it seeks to create a structured approach to recognizing and rewarding high-performing teachers while retaining effective educators within the school system.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB354 revolves around the potential implications for teacher evaluations and job security. Critics argue that the reliance on performance metrics, which include student test results and teacher evaluations, could create undue pressure on teachers and may disproportionately affect those in challenging teaching environments. There are concerns that such a system might not adequately consider the varying contexts teachers operate within, such as socio-economic factors, which may influence student performance unrelated to the teacher's capabilities.

Additional_notes

The legislation is designed to take effect starting with the 2018-2019 school year, positioning school districts to prepare for these changes in educational policy. The success of HB354 will likely depend on the effective implementation of the evaluation criteria and the acceptance of performance contracts by teachers, which could transform the landscape of educational accountability in Texas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.

TX SB2

Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB116

Relating to the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, certain allotments under the Foundation School Program, determination of a school district's assets to liabilities ratio under the public school financial accountability rating system, and credit for prepayment of the amount required to be paid by a school district for the purchase of attendance credit under the public school finance system.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB2485

Relating to mentors assigned to classroom teachers in public schools.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

TX HB70

Relating to a financial exigency of a school district.

TX HB8

Relating to flexibility for public schools to administer primary and secondary education efficiently.

CA AB2668

Pupil immunizations: pupils not immunized.

WI AB6

Requiring a school board to spend at least 70 percent of its operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and annual pay increases for school administrators. (FE)

WI SB32

Requiring a school board to spend at least 70 percent of its operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and annual pay increases for school administrators. (FE)

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

AZ SB1566

School districts; teachers; contract renewal