Florida’s largest teachers’ union is suing to block a new state law that eliminates tenure for new hires and links educators’ compensation to student achievement.
The law, signed in March by Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, requires Florida school districts to implement a merit-pay plan by 2014 and eliminate tenure for new hires beginning this year. The union argues that the law strips employees of their collective bargaining rights and places too great an emphasis on state tests.
At least 18 states have made changes affecting tenure or continuing contracts so far in 2011, according to the Education Commission of the States.
