TREND Spring 2015 | Page 8

U.S. Citizenship Test Requirement for High School Graduation Tennessee Teaching Evaluation Enhancement Act SB10 / HB10 (M. Norris / G. McCormick) SB119 / HB108 (M. Norris / G. McCormick) Requires students to pass a civics test composed of questions from the federal immigration naturalization test before they graduate high school, beginning in January 2017. Each student shall be given the opportunity to take the test as many times as necessary to receive a passing grade, defined to be at least 70 percent correct. Students who have an Individual Education Program (IEP) are exempt from this requirement. Makes changes to teacher evaluations by adjusting percentages regarding student growth data generated by administered assessments used in teacher evaluation criteria. Adds that an LEA is not required to use student state assessment results as the sole factor in employment decisions. Alters teacher tenure and probation provisions. D READ MORE SSE PA The “Educator Protection Act” SB604 / HB645 (M. Norris / G. McCormick) Provides excess professional liability insurance coverage for teachers, subject to the appropriations of the general assembly. The fund will protect against damages for claims arising out of the performance of their duties within the scope of their employment or assignment. Establishes that the fund will be administered by the board of claims. READ MORE ON HOW THIS AFFECTS YOUR MEMBERSHIP SED PAS READ MORE D SSE PA Payroll Deduction - Segregation of Dues v. Political Contributions SB890 / HB1145 (K. Kelsey / G. Casada) Specifies that any organization or association that has payroll deductions through the state or a local government for public employees shall only make expenditures for political activities if they establish a segregated political activities fund. Requires the organization or association to ensure the cost of administering the fund is paid from fund contributions and not from membership dues or nonpolitical deductions. READ MORE ILED FA 2015 LEGISL