Nevada teachers union agrees to work to law change

The state teachers union, in an about face, is working with legislators to change a state law that blocks Nevada from applying for education federal stimulus grants.

A law passed in 2003 prevents test scores from being used to evaluate teacher performance. The statute disqualified Nevada from applying this month for a share of $4.3 billion in federal "Race to the Top" money.

The Las Vegas Sun reports that the Nevada State Education Association, which has opposed attempts to tie test scores to teacher evaluations, is now in talks with Democratic legislators to change the law.

"I'm a realist. The law is going to change. Democrats and Republicans are willing to change the law," said Ruben Murillo, president of the Clark County Education Association.

He added, "It's unfortunate that the Obama administration is going further with No Child Left Behind, and tying money and grants to school districts on this criteria.

"It's part of a federal takeover of our schools."

Gov. Jim Gibbons has said the law could be considered before 2011 if he decides a special legislative session is needed to deal with the state's budget.

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Information from: Las Vegas Sun