SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) – The California Supreme Court has refused to review an appellate court decision that overturned Vergara v. California, the landmark court case that had declared California’s teacher tenure and dismissal laws unconstitutional.

The refusal has brought mixed reaction.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) hailed it as a victory for students and educators declaring it vindicates the arguments of educators, civil rights groups, legal scholars and education policy experts that the state statutes affirming educator rights do not harm students.

Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (Yucca Valley) was disappointed. “ It’s time for legislators in Sacramento to stop protecting bad policies that deprive low-income and minority students of a good education,” he said. “It makes me wonder how many more children will return to low-performing schools that prioritize bad teachers over their own students”, said Mayes.

The CTA said it is looking for a more positive climate to address the teacher shortage crisis, bring young people to teaching and encourage experienced teachers to stay in the classroom.

Story Date: August 26, 2016