MAGNET SCHOOLS IN THE LAUSD: WHAT ARE THEY FOR AND HOW ARE THEY WORKING?; PROP. 74 TEACHER TENURE; GUN MANUFACTURERS TO BE SHIELDED FROM LAWSUITS
MAGNET SCHOOLS IN THE LAUSD: WHAT ARE THEY FOR AND HOW ARE THEY WORKING?
Larry Mantle talks with several educational professionals involved with magnet schools about the LAUSD magnet programs, how they function, how successful they are and how they serve as models for other schools in the district.
PROP. 74 TEACHER TENURE
74 will extend a teacher’s probationary period from two years to five. Proponents argue that this will make it easier for school districts to get rid of substandard teachers, improving education for the students. Opponents say it’s a ploy to permit the hiring of less experienced teachers at lower pay, and that it circumvents the real issue: that our schools are underfunded. Larry talks to a representative from the California Teachers Association and Margaret Fortune from the Governor’s office, to discuss this proposition that will have profound implications for our schools.
GUN MANUFACTURERS TO BE SHIELDED FROM LAWSUITS
Congress passed a bill today protecting the firearms industry from massive crime-victim lawsuits. President Bush said he will sign it. The House voted 283-144 to send the bill to the president after supporters, led by the National Rifle Association, said it was essential to protect the industry from being bankrupted by huge jury awards. Opponents called it proof of the gun lobby's power over the Republican-controlled Congress. Larry talks to congressman Henry Waxman (30th district), Josh Horwitz, Executive Director of the Education fund to Stop Gun Violence in Washington, DC, and Larry Pratt, Executive Director of the Gun Owners of America, located in Springfield, VA.