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.