Among the changes SB 1097 institutes is a validation study of the new teacher evaluation plan by the UCONN Neag School of Education that will include recommendations for revisions.

For K-3 reading instruction, K-3 reading teachers will be required to take a yearly survey, based on the reading instruction exam. This will have no cost to teachers, may not be part of a summative performance evaluation rating, and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Districts are to use the survey results to provide professional development for individual teachers. In line with this, January 1, 2014 is the new deadline for the SDE to develop a coordinated, statewide reading plan for K-3 students. This plan must be aligned to reading standards, instruction, and assessment, research driven and provide an intervention for each student not making adequate progress in reading.