275,000 signatures to eliminate teacher tenure in Missouri sent to the secretary of state's office
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275,000 signatures to eliminate teacher tenure in Missouri sent to the secretary of state's office

Date: May 5, 2014
By: Shannon O'Brien
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Teacher tenure would be put on the statewide ballot in November if the 275,000 signatures from Missourians on a measure to end teacher tenure are approved.
RunTime:  0:48
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Teach Great is a group supporting the elimination of teacher tenure and it said it turned in more than 275,000 signatures to the secretary of state's office.

Missourians would be able to vote on measure in the November election if all signatures are approved.
 
An attorney for Teach Great Marc Ellinger said he wants to make sure good teachers are in the classroom.
 
Actuality:  ELLINGER.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "And that those good teachers are rewarded and teachers that are not good teachers should no longer be in the classroom. I think that anyone would want to have their kid taught by the best possible teachers."
Those opposed to the measure said ending teacher tenure would cause students to focus more on preparing for standardized test and less time learning in the classroom. 
   
Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.
Intro: 
275,000 Missourians signed a petition to give all Missourians a chance to vote to end teacher tenure.
RunTime:  0:48
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Missourians signed a petition to put ending teacher tenure on the November ballot.

Teachers would be evaluated based on the performance of their students in standardized tests if teacher tenure is eliminated.

But, Mike Wood a lobbyist for the Missouri State Teachers Association said putting emphasis on these tests is bad for teachers, students and taxpayers.
 

Actuality:  WOOD.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "The more tests you have the less time you have for students in their learning environment."
 
Teach Great is the group that collected the signatures and it said the current system of ranking teachers based on seniority is wrong and does not reward good teachers.  
 
All 275,000 signatures must be verified for the measure to be put on the statewide ballot.
 
Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.