Almost every segment of education had something to cheer or jeer in what the 1989 session did or did not do.
TEACHERS can anticipate their first raise in three years without significant cuts in benefits. They will be subjected to closer scrutiny as they seek new employment, a move intended to protect students against problem teachers. Proposals that would have compensated them for additional education didn't pass. Neither did a bill that would have required districts to give teachers credit for all their past experience when they look for new jobs.STUDENTS will have a tougher time buying cigarettes, a change they may not appreciate now but for which they may thank lawmakers later on. Closer monitoring of vending machines and greater penalities will discourage sales to minors. And those who run afoul of the law on drug charges will lose their driving privileges. Those who graduate after 11th grade will receive a small scholarship toward higher education, and a prohibition on dangerous hazing practices will protect them while in college. If they're struggling with school, at-risk programs will provide help. They'll also be able to decide how to spend income from vending machines they operate, instead of being required to put it into specific categories.
DISTRICTS can breathe a sigh of relief that a push for consolidation appears to be over. They can encourage early graduation of students knowing they'll get a financial benefit through continuation of 25 percent of the student's WPU for the year after the student has left the system. Remediation for students who fail classes in seventh and eighth grades became optional, not mandatory.