BEST Program Q & A:

1. What is the status of Substitute House Bill 5871(1)?

As of May 2, 2008, the bill has passed the House and has been placed on the Senate calendar for possible consideration. In order for the bill to pass, it must be taken up by the Senate, voted upon favorably, and signed by the Governor.

2. I've heard that the BEST Program is going away. Is that true?

Even if House Bill 5871 passes, it does not eliminate a beginning teacher program in Connecticut. This proposed legislation establishes a task force to make recommendations regarding replacement of the current BEST Program with a new support program for beginning teachers. The charge includes establishing standards for successful completion of this new program.

3. I'm a second year teacher completing my portfolio. Do I still have to submit it?

Yes! BEST Program requirements as they currently exist remain in effect for teachers required to submit BEST portfolios, whether or not Bill 5871 passes. House Bill 5871 does not affect portfolios submitted in May 2008. These portfolios will be scored, the results reported to the candidate and district, and a feedback report provided to the candidate.

Note that if a second year teacher decides to postpone submission to next year, he/she will have only one portfolio submission opportunity in February 2009. This requirement will not change even if Bill 5871 passes.

4. I'm a first year teacher. Do I have to do a portfolio next year?

Yes! Even if Bill 5871 passes, it does not eliminate the requirement for teachers to submit portfolios in school year 2008-2009. What will change (if the legislation passes) is that the requirement to submit a video as part of the portfolio will be eliminated. The portfolio submission will be evaluated and feedback given to the teacher and district.

5. What happens if I decide not to submit a portfolio next year as a second year teacher?

That would depend upon whether H.B. 5871 passes. If it does, the Task Force is charged under this legislation with determining transition issues between the current and “new” program. If a second year teacher decides not to submit the portfolio by May 2009, or submits a portfolio and does not meet the acceptable performance standard, then he/she will have to meet the requirements of the new program (not yet specified).

(1) Most current version is File No. 750. This can be found on the following web-site: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5871&which_year=2008