Critics Ask Calif. Courts to Change Teacher Policies

As other states have passed bill after bill to reshape their teacher-quality policies, California has largely lagged behind. But now, proponents of such changes in the Golden State appear to be turning to a different tactic: litigation.

At least three lawsuits have taken aim in the past two years at district and state rules governing teacher evaluation, seniority, or due process. One of them, Reed v. California , has already yielded a settlement shielding a handful of Los Angeles schools from seniority-based layoffs. ( "L.A. Settles ACLU Suit on Layoffs," ...