Idaho teachers to form human chain around capitol to protest sweeping reforms

The Idaho Statesman reports that teachers will attempt to form a "human chain" around the Idaho capitol this afternoon to protest the legislature's passage of a sweeping reform bill that ends tenure and does away with most collective bargaining rights and seniority protection during layoffs for teachers.

Today, legislators will consider a second bill to institute a merit-based pay plan for teachers. A study of a similar incentive pay plan in New York City concluded that it had no positive results on student performance.

Idaho Schools Chief Tom Luna also wants high schoolers to take 20 percent of their classes online by 2016 as part of his reform plan, which would let the state hire fewer teachers. Idaho teachers have been vocal in their criticism of the changes, so much so that the Idaho Education Department claims they've received complaints from some parents who say their kids' teachers are railing on the bills in the classroom.

(Idaho legislature: AP)