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L.A. Schools in Debate over “Last Hired, First Fired” Policy
posted by: Alix | October 12, 2010, 03:28 PM   

 

Changes are brewing in America's second largest school system and the unions are not happy about it. Last week a preliminary ruling based on the case between the ACLU and the Los Angeles Unified School Board was reached in an effort to combat inequality in teacher layoffs. The ACLU had sued the district over layoff procedures that essentially wiped out the staff at three schools serving inner city minority students.


Under this tentative legal settlement, 45 underperforming schools would be protected from disproportionate layoffs when budget cuts force staff reductions. The intent of the policy would be to help schools that suffer from the union-supported "last hired, first fired" seniority system, causing some experienced teachers to lose their job protections. Further it would protect urban schools where staffs are overwhelmingly composed of new teachers, protecting children from being taught by substitutes in the event of lay-offs.

Union leaders were infuriated by the fact that they were not included in talks to amend the policy and push their positions of seniority above all else. Dominic Brewer, an education professor at the University of Southern California, was surprised. "It's another step in the gradual erosion in the influence of the union. I wouldn't underestimate them ... but people are more willing to question whether the positions of the unions are in the best interests of kids."

Emily Cohen at the National Council of Teacher Quality was bolder in her comments. "The reform train is moving. Districts aren't as afraid of unions anymore."

Indeed, the "sacred cow" of union stances, "last hired, first fired," is losing support amongst teachers. Notably, AAE's 2010 member survey found that 70% of teachers disagree with the "last hired, first fired" policy and agree that tenure is not necessary to perform well as a teacher.

NCTQ conducted a study of 100 large school districts earlier in the year and found that only 25 districts considered factors other than seniority in teacher layoffs. In 16 of out of 100, performance carries more weight than seniority.

While the L.A. case shows a larger crack in the dam for unions, only time will tell if the settlement stays in place.

What do you think of the policy "last hired, first fired"? Should the union allow the settlement to stand?
Comment below.



Comments (1)Add Comment
Love It!!
written by C. Hawkins, October 12, 2010

About time the unions lose their ability to save deadweight and inept tenured people, sorry can't call them teachers becauise they don't teach!

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