Teachers union working to change law

(AP) - 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," said Ruben Murillo, president of the Clark County Education Association.

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.