Republican Destruction Of Education in Alabama, SB 310 Passes Through Committee

by: archangelsk

Wed Apr 20, 2011 at 11:15:23 AM CDT

 Newsflash From the Montgomery Advertiser:

The Senate education committee has passed a bill that would impact teacher tenure, according to a press release from the Alabama Association of School Boards, who has been vocal in its support of the proposed legislation.

The measure would change teacher tenure in Alabama most notably doing away with the lengthy arbitration process terminated educators currently may pursue.

The AASB also announced a press conference this morning with River Region education officials who will urge the passing of the proposal. Officials are expected to gather on the steps of the Alabama State House at 11:45 a.m

So what does this mean for teachers?

1. If you have a new principal and they don't like you, you'll probably be looking for another job.
2. Race can/could be an underlying issue in hiring/firing.  Minority teachers could find it difficult to retain positions in some instances.
3. You can be fired because of your political/personal activities.
4. If you are a female and have a desire to start a family, you will not recieve full credit for your year because of your maternity leave.
5. You can now be fired for low test scores or student achievement.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.  I wrote a diary a couple of weeks back about this and covered some of my concerns with the bill.  This is a continuation of the GOP war on public employees, minorities and the middle class.  Look at the 2.5% pay cut teachers are going to have to take, look at the increase in years before someone can retire.  When is the GOP controlled legislature going to look at cutting back on its salaries?  This is political pay back against the AEA for its activities in the fall. 

If this passes through the full Senate and House, you will see a brain drain of talent flowing out of Alabama, where once again, we will be stuck at the very bottom as far as education is concerned.  It wont matter to those in power because all the GOP legislators will continue to have their children/grandchildren sent to any one of the states numerous "Segregation Academies".

Thank you Alabama GOP.  Thank you for taking away my ability to feed my family and be a productive member of society.