The Missouri House has narrowly approved legislation that would prohibit seniority and salary from being considered when laying off teachers.
The bill would require school administrators to make teacher performance the most important factor in teacher layoffs, rather than starting layoffs with teachers who have not earned tenure.
Training and certification also could be considered.
House members approved the legislation 83-76, which is just barely more than the minimum votes necessary to approve legislation. The measure now goes to the Senate. Lawmakers have about two weeks to pass bills.
Supporters say the teacher measure would help ensure districts can keep their best teachers. Opponents argue the changes would cause teachers anxiety without improving schools.
