Joint Committee on Education releases a combined bill

You might remember that the Joint Committee on Education was hearing from the public on three bills before the Legislature which would, in sum, make Massachusetts eligible to apply for Race to the Top funding by lifting the charter schools and changing the terms of employment for teachers (readiness schools or "in district charters" are in there, too).

They've been combined into one bill, just released this week by the Joint Committee on Education.

Two things to know about this: pay-for-performance doesn't work if it involves higher level thinking (teaching, anyone?) and lifting the cap on charters and adding the two that have applied this year would cost Worcester $5 million next year. Add that to the $26 million we're already in the hole. Even if funding came through, we're still on the hook for that money.

You can find your state legislators here. Give them a call or send them a line and let them know what this would mean for Worcester. You need to do it soon, as this is on a rush!