Speaking of state senator TFA alums who are driving major ed reform in their states, it's not only Michael Johnston in CO, but Bill Ferguson in MD as well (they did a joint appearance at the TFA Summit, by the way: http://vimeo.com/19908808). Kudos!

A freshman state senator has introduced four bills that seek to strengthen the autonomy of charter schools and boost teacher quality in public schools, including a measure that would add "ineffectiveness" as a basis for dismissing teachers.

Sen. Bill Ferguson, a former teacher who served as special assistant to city schools CEO Andrés Alonso before he was elected to represent the city's 46th District in November, is co-sponsoring the legislation that mirrors recent dialogue in Baltimore. The city houses the majority of the state's charter schools and passed a groundbreaking contract last year tying teacher promotion to proven results in the classroom.

…Among the most controversial pieces of legislation supported by Ferguson is a bill that would add "ineffectiveness" as a determination for a superintendent's recommendation to dismiss or suspend teachers from their jobs. The clause would join the other reasons outlined in Maryland's Annotated Code: incompetence, insubordination, immorality, willful neglect of duty and misconduct.

Another bill, also cross-filed by Ferguson and Del. Samuel I. Rosenberg from District 41, would allow public charter schools to hire teachers based on "mutual consent," rather than the forced placement of certified educators in charter schools.

…Ferguson's bill package, which also includes a "Parent Empowerment Act" that would allow parents to petition for an overhaul of school governance…

…Ferguson also sponsored a bill that would grant charters the first-right-of refusal for public school buildings and relieve them from paying property taxes on private facilities.

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