NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that would allow teachers to qualify for tenure if they "meet expectations" on their evaluations is likely dead this session.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jimmy Naifeh of Covington failed 7-5 in the House Finance Subcommittee on Wednesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate Education Committee.

Under the state's new teacher evaluation system, teachers can gain tenure only if they score in the top two ratings two consecutive years. A three on the five-point rating scale is "meets expectations."

The proposal would allow teachers who meet expectations or above in the last two years of the probationary period to receive tenure.

Critics of the new system have included the tenure change in a list of recommended changes to the process.