It is the intent of this chapter to provide for a fair, cohesive, and comprehensive system for the training, certification, initial employment, evaluation, and continuous professional development of public educators in this State. The following guidelines, which further constitute the intent of this chapter must be adhered to by all state and local officials, agencies, and boards in interpreting and implementing the provisions of this chapter so that the system provided for herein shall:

1. (a) upgrade the standards for educators in this State in a fair, professional, and reasonable manner;
2. (b) assure that prospective teachers have basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills;
3. (c) improve the educator training programs and the evaluation procedures for those programs;
4. (d) assure that prospective teachers know and understand their teaching areas and are given assistance toward the achievement of their potential;
5. (e) assure that school districts implement a comprehensive system for assisting, developing, and evaluating teachers employed at all contract levels.

HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 187 Section 1; 1997 Act No. 72, Section 1.