California ballot measure would base teacher layoffs on performance, not seniority
It’s a waiting game now for activists who want to change teacher seniority rules through a statewide ballot measure. The proposed measure, called the "High Quality Teachers Act of 2014," was submitted to California's attorney general on Friday for review by state officials. If everything is in order, activists will start collecting signatures to try to get it on next November's ballot.
The measure would compel districts to use performance as the factor for teacher layoffs, not seniority. The text of the measure argues that layoffs based on seniority deprive many California students of a quality education.
"Today, there are plenty of high quality teachers available, but local school districts are not able to make sure all of our children have access to a high quality teacher because local districts are currently forced to retain teachers based on how long they have been on the job," it reads.
The state’s largest teachers' union has defended seniority-based layoffs, arguing that current performance evaluations are inadequate.
The measure was submitted by Matt David, a consultant for StudentsFirst, the Sacramento education reform group founded by former Washington D.C. school