Educators Predicted To Feel 'Staggering' Legislative Shifts

By Lonnie Harp

The overwhelming Republican victories in last week's elections have laid the groundwork for a big shift in state education policy, political observers said.

Besides the well-publicized shakeup in Congress and pickups in several governors' offices, Republicans also made wide gains in state legislatures.

With votes in a few races still being counted, returns showed that in nine states where Democrats and Republicans had split control, Republicans now have majorities in both the House and the Senate. In six more states where Democrats had controlled both houses, Republicans have gained...