Los Angeles Schools Can’t Do Math

Teachers get a rich new union contract despite awful student results

WSJ editorial. Excerpts:

The contract "increases salary scales by 11.65% over two years—double the rate of inflation—plus four weeks of paid parental leave and expanded student support services that will invariably require more hiring. Pay for new teachers will jump nearly 12% to $77,000."

"state per-pupil spending has soared in recent years to $27,418"

They will "have a workforce that is larger than when the district had 40% more students than we have today"

"the district and state are required to make payments equal to 30% of teacher salaries for their pensions. Teachers can retire at age 63 with a pension worth 85% of their final pay, plus free health benefits for life."

"Only 18% of Los Angeles eighth-graders scored proficient in math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, compared to 27% nationwide."