Teacher Tenure Reform Passes House, Moves To Senate

With supporters claiming the reform serves to benefit students and the Michigan education system and those in opposition claiming the reform represents simply another attack on teachers, the House of Representatives passed a package of bills Thursday providing for significant changes in how teachers achieve tenure, can be hired, promoted, or demoted. House Bills 4625, 4626, 4627 and 4628 will now move to the Senate after passing the House with scattered Democratic support and Republican opposition.

Last in, first out (LIFO) standards for teacher layoffs would be eliminated and a standard for teacher tenure hearings would be implemented under the legislation. Teachers that are rated as ineffective for two consecutive years shall be dismissed by the district and a teacher that is on probation can be dismissed at any time.

Some changes were made to the package during session Wednesday prior to moving to third reading, most notably a substitute for HB 4625 that allows a tenure “fast track” for teachers who receive high ratings during the first three years of the required five-year probationary period.

Representative Tim Melton (D-Auburn Hills) was the most vocal Democrat in favor of the reform, speaking to colleagues on the floor regarding their campaign platforms to improve education and the fact that a large number of the state categorized “failing” school districts are in areas represented by Democrats in the House. His efforts managed to obtain seven Democratic votes in favor of one of the bills.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 10, 2011 11:11 AM
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