HB 1003 (Rep. Bob Behning (R), Indianapolis) purports to prevent the 2014-15 ISTEP scores from being used in teacher evaluations and limit their impact on teachers’ negotiated raises, as well as, release stipends from teacher performance grants. While the bill prevents 2014-15 ISTEP scores from being used, there is a huge loophole buried in the bill.

Upon closer reading of HB 1003, it would allow school boards to choose to use the 2014-15 scores in determining teacher evaluations. The impact of using these artificially low 2014-15 scores affects each teacher’s bottom line pay raise, which ultimately impacts a teacher’s career earnings. Additionally, problems emerge in determining how much each teacher will receive as it is based, in part, upon the teacher’s evaluation results.

This provision needs to be stricken from the bill. We’re calling for an amendment to HB 1003 to remove the school board vote loophole. Effectively, all legislative leaders, including Gov. Pence, agree it is unfair for these scores to be used during this transition period between new tests and academic standards. It is then unfair to permit local school boards to arbitrarily decide to use them in a way that could negatively impact teacher compensation. 

Take action now. HB 1003 will be heard early Wednesday morning in the House education committee. Send the below message to the members of the education committee.