Congressional Bills

The following are a selection of recently introduced legislative bills related to teacher effectiveness, teacher and principal evaluation, and professional development.  NBPTS is following the progress of these legislative bills.  Bills listed here are not necessarily supported by NBPTS.

INSPIRES Act (H.R. 6274)

On September 29, 2010, Representatives Susan Davis (D-CA53) and Jared Polis (D-CO2) introduced the Investing in New and Supportive Pathways to Improve and Reward Educators in our Schools (INSPIRES) Act.  The bill would amend ESEA to require the establishment of teacher and principal evaluation programs using multiple measures and a minimum of four performance categories.

Lead Act (S.3469)

On June 9, 2010, Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) introduced the Lead Act, to build capacity and provide support at the leadership level for successful school turnarounds.  The proposed bill would create School Leadership Academies and Regional School Leadership Centers of Excellence to train and support principals and mentors for effective turnarounds.  The bill also calls for the convening of expert stakeholders, including NBPTS, to develop and support the training program.

Great Teachers for Great Schools Act (H.R. 5218)

NBPTS supports the Great Teachers for Great Schools Act of 2010 introduced May 5, 2010, during Teacher Appreciation Week, by Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO2).  The proposed bill advances a new definition of professional development and provides $500 million of targeted resources for high-need LEAs to improve teacher, principal, and other instructional staff quality through the development of a comprehensive system of professional development.

Teacher and Principal Improvement Act (S.3242)

NBPTS provided a statement of support for the Teacher and Principal Improvement Act proposed April 21, 2010, by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).  The bill is intended to build capacity for growing effective teachers and principals through redefining professional development and fostering a culture of collaboration focused on student learning and achievement.

High Quality Teaching Act of 2009 (H.R. 2755)

The High Quality Teaching Act of 2009, introduced June 8, 2009, by Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA53), seeks to assist underperforming schools to recruit, support, and retain highly qualified and effective teachers by providing grants for participation in NBPTS’ Targeted High Need Initiative program.  This proposed bill has been referred to the Education and Labor Committee.

I Teach Act of 2009 (S.1357)

Introduced June 25, 2009, by Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV), the I Teach Act of 2009 would provide $1,000 to teaching in high poverty or rural areas and $1,000 for National Board Certification.  This proposed bill has been referred to the Finance Committee.

Other Proposed Legislation of Interest

• H.R. 13 TEACH for our Future Act of 2009 (Baca, D-CA43) expands teacher loan forgiveness to $25,000 for teaching in high needs schools
• S.7 Education Opportunity Act of 2009 (Reid, D-NV) includes strategies for the recruitment and retention of high quality teachers in high need areas
• H.R. 1161 Keep Teachers Teaching Act of 2009 (Price, D-NC4) provides grants for innovative teacher retention programs, including professional development, teacher mentoring, and advenced certification
• H.R. 1950 Professional Educators Tax Relief Act of 2009 (Paul, R-TX14) provides a $3000 tax credit for instructional personnel in Pre-K - 12
• H.R. 1949 Teacher Tax Cut Act of 2009 (Paul, R-TX14) provides a $3000 tax credit for  elementary and secondary school teachers.
• H.R. 2230 Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2009 (Boozman, R-AR3) provides a $2000 tax credit for teachers and principals in Title I (schoolwide) schools.
• H.R.4354 School Principal Recruitment and Training Act of 2009 (Davis, D-CA53) seeks to recruit, support, and prepare principals to improve student academic achievement at high-need schools.
• S.2896 School Principal Recruitment and Training Act of 2009 (Franken, D-MN) is the companion Senate bill to H.R.4354.