Education Reform and the Power of Silicon Valley

A trial now underway in an LA courtroom could make it easier to fire incompetent teachers, overturning years of established law. A high-powered legal team has been hired by a tech millionaire, who wants his kids and poorer and minority students to get a better education in public schools. If he wins, it could demonstrate the power of Silicon Valley culture to impact millions of people — for good or for ill. Also, something is wrong when law-makers become law-breakers. But why do we care if elected officials don't live in the districts they represent?

Later on To the Point, a non-violent Palestinian offensive may be succeeding where Intifadas and rocket fire have failed. The call for "boycott, divestment and sanctions," could damage Israel's economy with consequences for US efforts at peace and a "two-state solution."

Banner image: LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy testifies in Vergara v. California