Proposition 74 would increase the probationary period for beginning teachers from two years to five. Only Indiana and Missouri have such lengthy probationary periods for teachers. In most states, teachers work three years before gaining permanent status.

If approved by voters, the initiative also would:

-- Require annual performance reviews during the five-year probation period. School districts could choose not to rehire a teacher without offering a specific reason during this period.

-- Allow a school board to fire a teacher who received two consecutive unsatisfactory performance evaluations. The teacher would have 30 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

-- Ease the burden on school administrators to provide extensive documentation of poor performance. Instead, they would need only two poor reviews.