RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — Part of Governor Bob McDonnell’s Education Reform plan is heading to his desk to be signed into law.
The House version of the Educator Fairness Act passed the Senate Monday. The legislation raises the probation period for teachers from three years to up to five years.
The Governor says the extension allows more time for new teachers to be mentored and clears the way for more thorough examination of teachers before they are awarded continuing contract status.
Under the proposal, teachers who receive one or more unsatisfactory performance evaluations would be considered incompetent.
Governor McDonnell released the following statement upon the passage of the Educator Fairness Act:
“I am grateful for members of both parties who worked together and passed the Educator Fairness Act, to reform Virginia’s teacher contract and grievance system. I plan to sign this legislation as soon as it gets to my desk. The vote in the Senate today shows what can happen when members of both parties set aside their differences in order to improve the overall learning environment for all students in the Commonwealth. These reforms will result in teacher contracts that are fairer, clearer and will result in giving our students more capable and better-trained educators in the classroom.”