SRC-JRN S.B. 312 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 312 By: Harris Education 2-10-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, a teacher's performance appraisal may be based on observable, job-related behavior that includes the performance of a teacher's students. However, some teachers are concerned that if they maintain certain academic standards, the failure rates of their students may negatively impact the appraisal of their own teaching abilities. This bill requires the performance of students to be used for the performance evaluation of a teacher, but prohibits using ratios of failing grades to all grades given by a teacher as part of a teacher's performance criteria. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 312 prohibits the commissioner of education from using a ratio of failing grades to all grades given by a teacher as a method for determining the performance of teachers. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 21.351, Education Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e), to provide that the requirements adopted by the commissioner of education for the appraisal process and criteria on which to appraise the performance of teachers be subject to Subsection (e). Prohibits the criteria used in the recommended appraisal process from including the ratio of failing grades to all grades given by a teacher. SECTION 2. Amends Section 21.352, Education Code, by adding Subsection (e), to prohibit the criteria used in the appraisal process developed by the district and campus-level committees from including the ratio of failing grades to all grades given by the teacher. SECTION 3. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-1998 school year. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.