Tag: state education laws

New Nevada Laws Make It Easier to Layoff and Fire Teachers

Republican Governor Brian Sandoval signed new laws today that end teacher layoffs based only on seniority and make it easier to fire teachers that aren’t meeting certain standards.

The state will also move from a two-tier administrator evaluation system to a four-tiered one, and it will eventually make 50 percent of teacher ratings based solely on student achievement data.

“I am convinced these reforms are going to make a big difference in our kids’ lives, creating a better learning experience, ensuring Nevada has a better educated citizenry, and setting us on a path to long-term economic growth,” Democratic Assemblywoman Debbie Smith said. [The Las Vegas Sun]

Idaho Voters Will Decide Fate of State Education Reform

Idahoans for Responsible Education Reform, a group of citizens seeking to repeal that state’s new education laws that ended tenure, prevented collective bargaining and tied pay and bonuses to student success, has collected enough signatures for a referendum.

Michael Lanza, head of Idahoans for Responsible Education Reform, said the number of signatures shows public sentiment.

“The fact that we far surpassed our goals is a powerful statement about public dissatisfaction,” he said.