For the purposes of this part, the following terms shall mean:

1. (1) “Compensation” that will be funded under the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan means the teacher’s/employee’s salary, excluding benefits;
2. (2) “Knowledge and skills” means the base portion of the teacher’s compensation under a Rewarding Excellence in Achievement compensation plan that considers but is not limited to factors such as years of experience and degree levels as set forth in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan;
3. (3) “Local board” means the local school board of directors exercising the control and management of a public charter school or public school district;
4. (4) “Participants” means the public school or school districts or public charter schools selected for participation in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program;

5. (5)

   1. (A) “Peer evaluations” means objective evaluations of teachers conducted by other teachers using multiple criteria including provisions for integrated ongoing site-based professional development activities to improve instructional skills and learning that are aligned with student needs under Arkansas Code § 6-15-2009 [repealed].

   2. (B) These peer evaluators shall:

      1. (i) Understand teaching and learning; and
      2. (ii) Be locally selected and periodically trained evaluators;

6. (6) “Performance” means the portion of the teacher’s compensation under a Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan that considers, without limitation, factors such as:

   1. (A) Professional development;
   2. (B) Teacher attendance;
   3. (C) Student achievement both by class and schoolwide; and
   4. (D) The teacher’s performance evaluations;

7. (7) “Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program (REAP)” means an alternative plan for teacher compensation that may be developed by a public:

   1. (A) School;
   2. (B) School district; or
   3. (C) Charter school; and
8. (8) “Staff” means the teachers, administrators, and/or classified employees who have voted to be participants in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program.