"Positive model" for states weighing teacher reforms

Other states have nibbled away at education reforms, but the bill passed Wednesday by Colorado’s legislature to change the way teachers are evaluated and earn tenure is being hailed by reformers as a national model.

"It is nothing less than remarkable," said Kate Walsh, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality. "There are a lot of states that have put in squishy legislation. This is not that."

The House and Senate approved Senate Bill 191 on Wednesday after weeks of episodic drama that included anger, tears and a threatened last-minute filibuster. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

The bill’s originator, Sen. Mi chael Johnston, D-Denver, said other states and individual school districts have introduced reforms but no state has delivered the whole package. Florida came close earlier this year, but its bill was vetoed by Republican Gov. Charlie Crist.

Significant changes to teacher laws under SB 191 include:

By Jeremy P. Meyer

Full Story: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_15074264