Schools suit settlement, state standards, approach

A landmark class-action suit on behalf of students in the state's worst schools is nearing a settlement that gives plaintiffs what they want: new statewide standards for updated textbooks, clean and safe facilities and qualified teachers. Low-performing schools may face sanctions if they fall short, two sources familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday. It remains unclear who would monitor compliance and what exactly will happen if schools fail. The contentious closed-door negotiations in the Williams v. California case have wide implications for how the state oversees conditions in public schools and who bears the ultimate responsibility for run-down schools with old, tattered textbooks and unprepared teachers. Many of those schools serve primarily poor, black and Latino students. [more]