Which Way, L.A.?
Education Reform and the Power of Silicon Valley
A trial in Los Angeles could make it easier to fire incompetent teachers. Also, why do we care if elected officials don't live in the districts they represent?
By Warren Olney • • 24m ListenA 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
In this episode
2 storiesEducation Reform and the Power of Silicon Valley
California's teacher-tenure laws are under fire in a Los Angeles court room. In Vergara v. California , nine students, backed by a millionaire from Silicon Valley, claim quality education is damaged because it's so hard to fire bad teachers and that poor and minority kids are disproportionately affected.
Read the story13 minElected Officials, Their 'Domiciles' and the Districts They Represent
It's common knowledge among political junkies that local, state and federal officials don't live in their districts, even though they have to swear under oath that they do. Not all of them are prosecuted.
Read the story11 min
