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LA Mayor Wants Outsiders to Run 'Failing' Schools

Teachers union says plan will lead to 'chaos in education system'

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 12, 2009 1:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – The mayor of Los Angeles wants to allow outside groups to place bids for control of hundreds of the city’s schools, the LA Times reports. Antonia Villaraigosa’s education reforms would allow bidding by charter-school organizations and other education nonprofits to run 50 schools scheduled to open over the next four years. Controversially, the mayor also wants to extend such groups the opportunity to take over hundreds of existing schools ranked “failing” under federal criteria.

The teachers’ union is vehemently opposed: Villaraigosa’s reforms could lead to “chaos in the education system,” union president AJ Duffy said. Duffy points to studies that suggest charter schools don’t necessarily perform better than traditional schools. But Villaraigosa is determined. “This will not be easy,” the mayor said at a recent community meeting. The teacher’s union is “"the biggest defender of the status quo."

[Images (2)]

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FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in the Los Angeles bureau. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the National Clean Energy Summit 2.0 Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at The Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)

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The proposal could lead to chaos in the education system in this city. It is not well thought out. Nor is it based upon data.
- AJ Duffy, UTLA president

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Ucantusethatname

Aug 13, 2009 12:09 PM CDT

I am not an NEA fan, but the statement by kansas1946 regarding teacher certification is false. Many states now provide alternative teacher certification programs for licensing teachers, a means for adults who have pursued noneducational careers to become licensed to teach.

Ucantusethatname

Aug 13, 2009 12:08 PM CDT

Another dumb idea from Villaraigosa. Stick to dating news anchors and let the schools alone.

newsrmandan

Aug 12, 2009 6:31 AM CDT

not overly surprised the teachers union wouldn't love this. Let the charters do their work see if they can produce any better. If after a given time they suck at teaching then boot them. But if they work then it may prove the maxim that competition is good for everybody.

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LA Mayor Wants Outsiders to Run 'Failing' Schools