AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

1. Page 2, introduced, line 31, after contract.

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the remainder of line 31 and all of lines 32 through 54

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However, local school boards may adopt procedures for the establishment of a continuing contract employment process that (i) establishes a probationary term of service for teachers of not less than three years and no more than five years; and (ii) requires teachers to submit an application to their building principal for continuing contract status. After review by and with a recommendation from the principal, the continuing contract application will be forwarded to the superintendent, or designee, for consideration and recommendation to the school board. Applications for such continuing contract status may be made upon completion of the initial three-year probationary term of service. Local school boards may determine the number of times an applicant may submit an application. Such procedures shall apply to teachers who are hired as probationary teachers in an academic year after July 1, 2000. This option shall be available to teachers licensed through either traditional or alternative licensure routes.

Procedures adopted by local school board pursuant to this subsection shall include, but need not be limited to, (i) application materials that shall include evidence of pupil academic performance and may also include other data and materials to assist the local superintendent, or designee, in the application review process and the school board in making an employment determination, e.g., professional credentials, employment evaluations, classroom observations, lesson plans and examinations and the applicant's demonstrated mastery of the relevant Standards of Learning; and (ii) procedures for applicants to obtain assistance from other education professionals in the preparation of application materials.

FLOOR AMENDMENT (JACKSON) AGREED TO BY HOUSE OF DELEGATES

1. Page 2, introduced, after teachers (in committee amendment (i))

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of not less that three and no more the five years

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for a period of three years