BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1785
85R13282 PAM-D	By: Uresti
	Education
	4/21/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law that outlines the appraisal of teacher performance, the commissioner of education is tasked with adopting a recommended appraisal process and criteria on which to appraise a teacher�s job performance. The criteria must be based on observable, job-related behavior, including disciplinary techniques and the performance of a teacher�s students. The appraisal must also be detailed by category of professional skill and provide for separate ratings for each category. Local school districts can choose to alternatively use locally developed teacher appraisal processes that include the same two criteria as the state system. The current Education Code is not clear as to whether a student evaluation fits within the teacher appraisal.

Student evaluations can be subjective and can misrepresent a teacher�s true skill and professional performance, becoming a popularity contest, and punishing teachers who are more rigorous. Students may rush through their evaluations or complete the evaluations blindly without thoroughly reading them. They may also reflect their anger at a low grade or at a disciplinary incident in their evaluations. These are just a few scenarios that may skew the teacher�s appraisal. As proposed, S.B. 1785 removes student evaluations from the criterion on which to appraise teacher performance. There are many factors that can accurately measure a teacher�s performance with less potential for subjectivity. S.B. 1785 helps Texas ensure teachers are assessed and provided feedback for improvement in a fair and accurate manner.

As proposed, S.B. 1785 amends current law relating to appraisal of public school teachers.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly 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 adding Subsection (e), to prohibit a student evaluation, under the recommended appraisal process, from being used as a criterion on which to appraise the performance of a teacher.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 21.352, Education Code, by adding Subsection (g), to prohibit a student evaluation, under the appraisal process developed under this section (Local Role), from being used as a criterion on which to appraise the performance of a teacher.

SECTION 3. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.