Update, Tuesday 3:15 p.m.: Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction, issued a statement reflecting his disappointment about today's ruling:
“All children deserve great teachers," Torlakson said. "Attracting, training, and nurturing talented and dedicated educators are among the most important tasks facing every school district, tasks that require the right mix of tools, resources, and expertise. Today’s ruling may inadvertently make this critical work even more challenging than it already is.
“While I have no direct jurisdiction over the statutes challenged in this case, I am always ready to assist the Legislature and Governor in their work to provide high-quality teachers for all of our students. Teachers are not the problem in our schools, they are the solution.”
Of course, Marshall Tuck, who will try to take away Torlakson's job in the November election, had a different take:
"Today’s decision is a major victory for California’s students, and a repudiation of the failed Sacramento status quo," said Tuck's statement. "I applaud the nine students who took a courageous stand for all of California’s kids. But the truth is, no student should ever have to go to court to get a quality education – and no elected official should ever put bureaucratic laws ahead of students’ interest.
"For too long, State Superintendent Tom Torlakson and the Sacramento education establishment have defended a broken status quo. Instead of working to make sure every child has access to a quality education, they have wasted taxpayer money fighting to derail this lawsuit.
"Now, State Superintendent Torlakson faces a critical choice. I urge him to do the right thing for California’s students, and not appeal this landmark ruling …"
KQED's Mina Kim talks about the magnitude of Tuesday's ruling with KQED education reporter Ana Tintocalis, who has been following the case:
Original post:
By Associated Press