1. The causes of teacher shortages in the State;

2. The persistence of new teachers in positions for which they are hired and the reasons for any attrition;

3. The types and numbers of new teachers Maine schools will need to hire during the next decade;

4. The conditions and practices that lead to the recruitment and retention of an adequate supply of highly qualified teachers at the kindergarten-to-grade-12 level; and

5. Recommendations of both local-level and state-level actions to achieve those conditions and practices; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Reimbursement. Resolved: That the members of the commission are entitled to reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses, upon application to the Legislative Council; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the First Regular Session of the 120th Legislature no later than January 15, 2001. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to conclude its work, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Commission to Study Teacher Recruitment and Retention.