If the Teutonic Terminator signs it (and it looks like he will), California will put two pieces of legislation targeting teacher quality into action this fall.

Spurred by the need to meet NCLB's teacher quality provision, a bill from State Senator Joe Simitian would create a centralized teacher data system similar to the ones already in place in Florida, Texas, Georgia and Connecticut. Designed to improve the state's responsiveness to NCLB's highly qualified teacher provisions, the system would also provide ways for the state to evaluate the impact of different teacher preparation and professional development approaches on student achievement. The cost estimate of the new system is a $9 million investment, followed by $2 million in annual maintenance.

The second piece of legislation, the SB 1655 aims to put a halt to the notorious "Dance of the Lemons," a common practice across the United States in which the worst teachers are transferred from school to school, instead of being dismissed. The bill would put more hiring power into the hands of California school leaders, allowing principals in low performing schools to turn down an unwanted transfer. Principals in higher performing schools would have a limited window of opportunity from April 15 until the end of the summer to hire the teachers they want. If the law passes, it will trump any language in school districts' future collective bargaining agreements. In spite of union opposition, the bill passed with strong support in the legislature.