SB 1273 – This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop standards for teaching in Missouri public schools by June 30, 2009, including public schools, charter schools, and public virtual schools. The teaching standards must include: having students actively participate and be successful in the learning process; forms of assessment to monitor and manage student learning; having the teacher be prepared and knowledgeable of content and maintain students' on-task behavior; having the teacher be current on instructional knowledge and explore changes in teaching behavior; and having the teacher act as a responsible professional in the mission of the school. The Department will provide guidance to districts in establishing criteria for teacher evaluations under the teaching standards. In developing the teaching standards and evaluation models, the Department must involve representatives from teacher organizations, administration and principal organizations, the Missouri Advisory Council for the Certification of Educators, the Missouri Staff Development Council, and colleges and universities. MICHAEL RUFF