Sec. 8. (a) To implement this chapter, the state board shall do the following:

(1) Before January 31, 2012, adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that establish:

(A) the criteria that define each of the four categories of teacher ratings under section 4(c)(4) of this chapter;

(B) the measures to be used to determine student academic achievement and growth under section 4(c)(2) of this chapter;

(C) standards that define actions that constitute a negative impact on student achievement; and

(D) an acceptable standard for training evaluators.

(2) Before January 31, 2012, work with the department to develop a model plan and release it to school corporations. Subsequent versions of the model plan that contain substantive changes must be provided to school corporations.

(3) Work with the department to ensure the availability of ongoing training on the use of the performance evaluation to ensure that all evaluators and certificated employees have access to information on the plan, the plan's implementation, and this chapter.

(b) A school corporation may adopt the department's model plan, or any other model plan approved by the department, without the state board's approval.

(c) A school corporation may substantially modify the model plan or develop the school corporation's own plan, if the substantially modified or developed plan meets the criteria established under this chapter. If a school corporation substantially modifies the model plan or develops its own plan, the department may request that the school corporation submit the plan to the department to ensure the plan meets the criteria developed under this chapter. If the department makes such a request, before submitting a substantially modified or new staff performance evaluation plan to the department, the governing body shall submit the staff performance evaluation plan to the teachers employed by the school corporation for a vote. If at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting teachers vote in favor of adopting the staff performance evaluation plan, the governing body may submit the staff performance evaluation plan to the department.

(d) Each school corporation shall submit its staff performance evaluation plan to the department. The department shall publish the staff performance evaluation plans on the department's Internet web site. A school corporation must submit its staff performance evaluation plan to the department for approval in order to qualify for any grant funding related to this chapter.

As added by P.L.90-2011, SEC.39. Amended by P.L.160-2012, SEC.50.